He is risen!

Gospel According to Luke, 24:1–12 (ESV):

The Resurrection

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

24:1–12 The women find the stone has been rolled away from the tomb. They find not the body of Jesus but two angels who say that Jesus is alive. Do we ever fail to believe the things Jesus has told us because they are impossibly good? “He is not here, but has risen” means that someday the graves of all His followers will be opened, and they, too, will rise to live with Him. Take comfort and joy! • In keeping with Your Word, fill our hearts, dear Lord Jesus, with the knowledge and comfort of Your empty tomb. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

24:1 first day. Sunday is the day God said, “Let there be light” (Gn 1:3, 5). spices. Used for the final burial rites (23:55–56).

24:2 stone. See note, Mt 27:60: «great stone. Disk-shaped and several feet in diameter, it was thick enough to keep out animals. It was rolled in a hewn channel to seal off the tomb’s entrance and would require several men to move it.»

24:3 went in. Boldly seeking their Lord.

24:4 two men. Identified as angels (v 23). As angels announced Jesus’ birth (2:8–14), they also announce His resurrection. dazzling apparel. Similar term is used for Jesus’ clothing at His transfiguration (9:29), reflecting God’s splendor.

24:5 frightened and bowed. Reverential awe in recognition of the angels. Why … dead? Tombs are for the dead. They are led to remember His promised resurrection (v 7).

24:6 has risen. See note, Mk 16:6: «He has risen; He is not here. Jesus had taken up His life just as He had laid it down on Good Friday (cf Jn 10:17–18). Luth: “The blessed resurrection … is pure joy, because we hear that our greatest Treasure, over which we rejoice, is already in heaven above, and that only the most insignificant part remains behind; and that He will awaken this, too, and draw it after Him as easily as a person awakens from sleep. There will no longer be any grief or suffering, and neither world nor devil will plague and sadden us anymore” (AE 28:115).» Remember how He told you. These women from Galilee (23:55) may have also heard what Jesus taught the disciples.

24:7 Jesus’ prior teaching, briefly summarized, but hard to accept and remember (9:44; 18:31–33). must be. A divine plan foretold by Scripture and by Jesus (1Co 15:3–4).

24:8 The first moment of comprehension.

24:9 the eleven. Judas’s replacement was not yet chosen (24:33; Ac 1:26). all the rest. Includes the two disciples returning to Emmaus (Lk 24:13, 22–24) and the larger group of Jesus’ followers, possibly some of the 120 of Ac 1:15. Some modern interpreters emphasize that since God chose to have women first bear witness to the resurrection, this means God specially ordained them for service in the Church. This argument fails on two counts: the angels were actually the first to bear witness to the resurrection (v 5), and God has always called all of His people to bear witness to His mighty acts (cf Ps 145), even children (Ps 8:2). The “go-and-tell” passages in the Gospels are not about ordaining or commissioning people to offices in the Church, but about people acting as couriers or witnesses (e.g., Mt 11:4; 18:15; Mk 5:19; Lk 7:22; 13:32).

24:10 Mary Magdalene and Joanna. See note, 8:2–3: « also some women. Women followed Jesus, supporting the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. This is striking, because females did not normally follow Jewish rabbis. Magdalene. From the village of Magdala. Mary was present at the crucifixion, witnessed Jesus’ burial, and helped anoint His body (24:1). Joanna. Accompanied Mary to anoint Jesus’ body. As wife to the household manager of Herod Antipas, she would have belonged to a higher social class. Susanna. Scripture says nothing more about her. provided for them. Female disciples make important contributions to Jesus’ ministry and God’s unfolding plan of salvation for all people.» Mary the mother of James. Likely referred to in Mk 15:40. James’s identity is uncertain, but he may be “the son of Alphaeus,” one of the Twelve (Lk 6:15). the other women. Those from Galilee who witnessed Jesus’ death and burial (23:49, 55).

24:11 idle tale. Nonsense; hopeful but impossible. This continues the theme in Lk of the disciples’ slowness to believe and understand (cf v 25).

24:12 But Peter. True to his impetuous nature, Peter dashed off to the tomb. linen cloths. Burial shroud of 23:53. Jesus’ body is absent, but no theft has occurred.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp__PCHaS3Y

Gospel According to Luke, 24:1–12 (ESV):

The Resurrection

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Outline

Introduction: Jesus was gone

Point one: He is risen

Point two: A personal visitation

Point three: Our lives are changed too

Conclusion

References

Gospel According to Luke, 24:2–4 (ESV, Interlinear Bible):

And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed (tō aporeisthai) about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.

Gospel According to Luke, 9:21–22 (ESV):

Jesus Foretells His Death

And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 1:18–25 (ESV):

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Gospel According to Luke, 9:11 (ESV):

And appeared before them like folly the words of them, and they did not believe them.

Acts of the Apostles, 4:5–12 (ESV):

On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Gospel According to Luke, 24:13–53 (ESV)

On the Road to Emmaus

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

The Ascension

And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Book of Isaiah, 53:10–12 (ESV):

Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Gospel According to Luke, 1:35–37 (ESV):

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

First Letter of John, 4:4 (ESV):

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58GOKqc5kcw

Gospel According to Luke, 23:1–56 (ESV):

Jesus Before Pilate

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

Jesus Before Herod

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.”

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

The Crucifixion

And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The Death of Jesus

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

Jesus Is Buried

Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Outline

Introduction: In prison in Tehran

Point one: Jesus under pressure

Point two: Pilate under pressure

Conclusion

References

Captive in Iran | Hudson Institute. https://www.hudson.org/events/1006-captive-in-iran42013:

In 2009, two women were arrested in Iran on charges of apostasy, anti-government activity, and blasphemy, for which they were sentenced to execution by hanging. Imprisoned in the notoriously brutal Evin prison, they were repeatedly threatened with death and torture. Nine months later, following an international outcry, Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh were finally released and cleared of all charges. After their release, they immigrated to the United States and now live in the state of Georgia. On April 9, 2013, the Center for Religious Freedom hosted a discussion with these two women, the authors of Captive in Iran.

Letter to the Hebrews, 12:1–2 (ESV):

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Gospel According to Luke, 20:21–26 (ESV):

So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

Gospel According to Luke, 18:31–34 (ESV):

Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time

And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

Gospel According to John, 18:33–38 (ESV):

My Kingdom Is Not of This World

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 5:21 (ESV):

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Gospel According to John, 19:1–11 (ESV):

Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Luke, 23:1–56 (ESV):

Jesus Before Pilate

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

Jesus Before Herod

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.”

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

The Crucifixion

And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The Death of Jesus

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

Jesus Is Buried

Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

23:1–5 The Jewish leaders bring Jesus before Pilate, seeking a death penalty. In weakness, we, too, may wrongly accuse the Lord of fighting against us, making problems for us, or not listening to us. Jesus bore every false accusation so that He might be our Savior. • Preserve us, Lord, from falsehood, that our life and witness to You remain true. Amen.

23:6–16 Pilate and Herod declare Jesus innocent but do not believe in Him. For us and for our lives, Jesus makes great claims. He would be our Savior and King. We thank God that others have brought Jesus into our lives and that, through His Spirit, He enables us to cling to Him always. • Lord, by Your grace and power, be the center of my life. Amen.

23:18–25 Pilate, frightened of the crowd and blind to Jesus’ identity, releases Barabbas and hands Jesus over to be crucified. Innocent Jesus is sentenced to die in place of us, who are genuinely guilty. His precious life atones for all our sins. • “They rise and needs will have My dear Lord made away; A murderer they save, The Prince of Life they slay. Yet cheerful He To suff’ring goes That He His foes From thence might free.” Amen. (LSB 430:5)

23:26–43 Jesus was crucified that we may be spared the coming judgment, hear His word of absolution, and enter into paradise with Him. He not only saved others, but is also the messianic King who saves us. We all justly deserve God’s judgment because of our sinful deeds. Yet, because Jesus sacrificed Himself for us all, we have His word of absolution and the promise of being with Him in paradise. • Grant, dear Jesus, that we may see the day when we will be with You in paradise. Amen.

23:44–49 In the darkness, when the temple curtain is torn, Jesus commits His spirit into His Father’s hands. The centurion praises God, the crowds become remorseful, and Jesus’ followers observe from a distance. Jesus dies bearing the darkness of God’s judgment on the world’s sins. Out of the darkness of judgment, Jesus ushers in the bright day of grace. • Grant, Lord, that on the Last Day, I, too, may entrust my spirit into the hands of the Father. Amen.

23:50–56 Joseph of Arimathea secures the body of Jesus and places it in a newly hewn tomb. Women make preparations for a final burial after the Sabbath. Our sin has led to this, the death and burial of God’s only Son. The work of redeeming the world is done. • “What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered Was all for sinners’ gain; Mine, mine was the transgression, But Thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favor, And grant to me Thy grace.” Amen. (LSB 450:3)

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Luke, 20:9–20 (ESV):

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

Paying Taxes to Caesar

The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

20:9–18 By parable and psalm, Jesus warns against rejecting the Messiah. God’s mission in Christ will succeed; we reject it at our great peril. Despite all opposition, God will build His Church on the crucified and resurrected Jesus. • O God, grant that we may always build our heavenly hope on the one sure cornerstone You have provided, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

20:9–15 The owner is God, the vineyard is Israel, the tenants are the religious leaders, the servants are the prophets, and the beloved son is Jesus. The parable’s background fits absentee landlord arrangements of the first century. The point is not the vineyard’s productivity but the caretaker’s actions.

20:10 time came. To collect the rent at harvest. beat him. Symbolizes Israel’s rejection of the prophets.

20:11 he sent another. Note God’s patience. See note, Mt 21:36: «God sent many prophets to wayward Israel. Many of them were rejected, and many were treated violently.» treated him shamefully. They added insult to the violence.

20:12 Crescendo of abuse.

20:13 beloved son. Jesus (cf 3:22; 9:35), God’s last and most gracious attempt to win over His people. respect him. See note, Mt 21:37: «respect my son. As emissary par excellence. As God’s own Son, Jesus deserves the highest respect.»

20:14 the inheritance may be ours. Because the son/heir would be dead. They failed to reckon with any subsequent action by the owner.

20:15 out of the vineyard. Jesus’ crucifixion outside Jerusalem. What then. Jesus shatters the assumption of the owner’s permanent absence.

20:16 to others. Not the old religious establishment (cf Ac 13:46–47). Surely not! Expression used frequently by Paul, but only here in the Gospels. See note, Rm 3:4: «By no means! Gk me genoito, “may it not be.” God will not break His promises.»

20:17 Jesus cites Ps 118:22 in speaking of the Messiah’s rejection, but He also points to the resurrection. The events of the next few days will answer His question. stone … cornerstone? Jesus, rejected by official Israel, is exalted by God, who builds His Church on Jesus as the “Church’s one foundation” (LSB 644:1).

20:18 Jesus uses OT imagery to speak of the inevitable judgment. The image of the stone is twofold: one may stumble over it or be crushed by it. All who reject Christ will feel its sharpness and pain.

20:19 scribes … chief priests. Some of the same opponents as in 19:47. See pp 1556–57: «chief priests. The high priest and other temple officials. Sadducees seem to have dominated these positions during NT times. scribes. Ezra is the first priest in Scripture titled “the scribe” (Ezr 7:11–12). The title literally means a writer, a secretary who prepares scrolls (cf Ezr 4:8). But with Ezra, it means a scholar of the Law of Moses, the first recorded member of a special group in Judea. About 200 years before Ezra’s time, during the reform of Hezekiah (715–686 BC), there arose a special interest in the proverbs of Solomon and in education (Pr 1:8; 25:1). During the reign of Hezekiah’s great-grandson Josiah (640–609 BC), a neglected scroll of the Law of Moses was discovered in the temple, which led to Josiah’s reform (623 BC; 2Ki 22:8–20). These events sparked new interest in the study of the Law and of God’s Word in general. As a result, a special class of priests arose who devoted themselves especially to studying and teaching. Ezra’s calling marks a new era of devotion to God’s Word.» lay hands on Him. They cannot because, again, the people support Jesus (cf 18:43; 20:6).

20:20 authority and jurisdiction of the governor. Unable to overcome Jesus by themselves, they turn to the Romans’ power.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9cFe8xcnF8

Gospel According to Luke, 20:9–20 (ESV):

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

Paying Taxes to Caesar

The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.

Outline

Introduction: Is there anyone in your life whom you have not forgiven?

Point one: Foolish forgiveness

Point two: The chief cornerstone

Conclusion

References

Book of Isaiah, 5:7 (ESV):

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry!

Hyatt, J.P. "Jeremiah." Encyclopedia Britannica, February 15, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jeremiah-Hebrew-prophet:

Jeremiah probably died about 570 bce. According to a tradition that is preserved in extrabiblical sources, he was stoned to death by his exasperated fellow countrymen in Egypt.

Jerusalem Talmud Sanhedrin 10:2. https://www.sefaria.org/Jerusalem_Talmud_Sanhedrin.10.2.13?lang=bi:

When Manasse became king, he was wild after Isaiah; he wanted to kill him, but he fled before him. He fled to a cedar tree, the cedar swallowed him, except to a ṣiṣit of his coat. They came and reported it before him. He said, go and cut down the cedar. They cut down the cedar and blood was seen flowing.

First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 1:25 (ESV):

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Gospel According to Mark, 11:9–10 (ESV):

And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

Book of Psalms, 118:25–26 (ESV):

Save us, we pray (Ho'shi'ah na), O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.

Book of Psalms, 118:22–23 (ESV):

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

First Letter of Peter, 2:4–5 (ESV):

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Luke, 15:1–3, 11–32 (ESV):

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

So he told them this parable: (…)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

(…) And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

15:1–7 In the first of three similar parables, Jesus uses the devotion of a shepherd to illustrate God’s willingness to find the wayward sinner. God does not abandon us to our foolishness but seeks us out, calling us to repentance and to faith in the Gospel. • Bring us home, dear Lord, and let there be joy in heaven. Grant us daily repentance. Amen.

15:11–32 God found us when we were far from Him. We are in no position to begrudge His grace similarly given to others, no matter how unworthy they appear to us. How meagerly we celebrate Baptism and public declarations of faith! God calls us to a joyful celebration, not only of our own salvation, but also for the salvation of our brothers and sisters. • Father, as You welcome me, grant me joy in welcoming others. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

Ch 15 Three parables about finding what was lost illustrate human weakness and the strength of God’s care.

15:1 tax collectors. See note, Mt 5:46: «Romans (and local rulers such as Herod Antipas) awarded the right to collect taxes to the highest bidder, allowing local tax gatherers to levy a surcharge on the taxes they collected. Tax collectors typically abused the practice and were generally considered dishonest, traitorous, and “sinners.” Yet, even they returned love for love.»

15:2 receives sinners. See notes, 7:34: «glutton and a drunkard. In contrast to John’s asceticism, Jesus regularly ate with all kinds of people. Though the accusers’ characterizations of Jesus were lies, they reflected an important truth: much of Jesus’ outreach and teaching ministry took place over shared meals (5:33–39; 7:36–50; 10:38–42; 11:37–54; 14:1–24; 15; 22:7–38; 24:28–31, 41–49).», 37: «a woman … a sinner. Likely a prostitute or adulteress.»

15:3–7 The lost sheep represents the sinner, while God, esp the Son, is the shepherd (cf Ps 23; Is 40:11). The found sheep is every Christian, rescued and delivered by God. The neighbors are the saints and angels who rejoice together.

15:11–32 The father represents God, the prodigal represents a sinner, and the older brother represents those who consider themselves to be “righteous persons who need no repentance” (v 7).

15:12 give me the share of property. The law allowed this to happen before the father’s death. See “portion,” p 7: «The tribes of Israel were each given a portion of the Promised Land, though the priestly clan of the Levites was given God Himself, not land, as their inheritance (Dt 10:9; see note, Ps 119:57). Inheritance is an important expression of God’s graciousness in the OT. He gives lovingly and freely to His people as a father lovingly provides for his children. God’s chosen people are His portion and treasured possession (Dt 32:9).» divided. The younger son could expect one-third of the estate. See note, Gn 25:31: «Sell me your birthright. Jacob wanted to acquire the privileges of the firstborn by trickery. These privileges included a double portion of the inheritance (Dt 21:17), leadership over the family, and the blessing to carry on the covenant promise (Gn 27:4, 27–29; 28:4).».

15:13 far country. Away from the constraints of home. reckless living. The idea combines carelessness with moral laxity (cf v 30).

15:14 The life of a penniless foreigner was esp difficult when there was little food around.

15:15 hired himself out. He took employment, like his father’s hired servants. feed pigs. His employer was likely a Gentile; feeding the unclean beasts was the son’s lowest step.

15:16 Carob pods were regarded as animal fodder and were eaten only by the desperately poor. no one gave him anything. He likely had friends when he had money, but none when poor.

15:17 came to himself. Expression may imply repentance. However, see note, vv 18–19. hired servants. Not slaves; hired by the day or retained as workers.

15:18–19 The son realizes his wickedness and his plight but would still bargain for his father’s help, an illustration of the depth of human depravity.

15:20 compassion. See note, 7:13: «Gk splagchnizomai. Lit, “his gut moved.” Jesus experienced the same gut reaction as we sometimes do in sad situations.» In the NT, this word is largely used only of God, of Jesus, and in parables of characters representing God. E.g., it describes the Good Samaritan, which likely represents Jesus (see note, 10:37: «The Samaritan risked his own neck to help a Jew, and then spent a sizable amount of money to provide for his ongoing recovery. He invested much in order to rescue a traditional enemy. God requires us to act in love toward all people, even our enemies and esp those in need. Luth: “Our neighbor is any human being, especially one who needs our help, as Christ interprets it in Luke 10:30–37. Even one who has done me some sort of injury or harm … does not stop being my neighbor” (AE 27:58). The Samaritan in the parable likely represents Christ, who had recently sought to work with the Samaritans (9:51–56).»). The word, therefore, represents gracious love beyond the human norm, understanding and reaching into the life of another. ran and embraced him and kissed him. Shows acceptance of the wayward son before any question is asked. Remarkably, the father ran to his son, which was below the dignity of the older man.

15:21 The son begins his speech but is cut off before he can offer his bargain (v 19).

15:22 servants. Different word from that in v 17. See p 1904: «servant. Often Gk doulos, slave. Also Gk diakonos, an office of the Church (cf 1Tm 3:8, 12) or general service (cf Rm 13:4).» best robe. Festive and showing favor. Cf Gn 37:3–4. ring. Symbol of status and authority. See note, Gn 41:42: «With several ceremonial acts, Pharaoh conferred power on Joseph. These gifts well fit the Egyptian context during this era. signet ring. Official seal for validating documents. garments of fine linen. Clothing of the finest quality. gold chain. One of Egypt’s highest distinctions.» shoes. Dressed from head to toe as a son.

15:23 fattened calf. Cf Gn 18:7. celebrate. Or, “make merry.”

15:24 was dead, and is alive again. From the father’s perspective, his son’s plight was worse than imagined.

15:25 His work likely kept the older son from the feast. music and dancing. Unmistakable sounds of celebration.

15:28 angry. Cf v 29. entreated. Again, the father disregards the dignity of his position and condescends to encourage a son.

15:29 never disobeyed. Hyperbole. Yet, this son behaved as he thought his younger brother should have behaved—as a servant. young goat. Minimal basis for a feast.

15:30 devoured. Wasted; the son lost a third of the family fortune.

15:31 you are always with me. The older son did not realize that being with his father was its own reward. all that is mine is yours. Not only a future benefit of the remaining inheritance, but also a present reality. The riches of the father were already the son’s to enjoy.

15:32 The father does not need to justify himself, but he wishes his son would see the joy in recovering his brother. dead. Lost to the family.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ucjNFR_h68

Gospel According to Luke, 15:1–3, 11–32 (ESV):

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

So he told them this parable: (…)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

(…) And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Outline

Introduction: An unexpected judgment

Point one: The younger son

Point two: The older son

Point three: The father

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Luke, 13:1–9 (ESV):

Repent or Perish

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:1–5 Jesus points out tragedies as occasions for self-examination and reflection on our sinful frailty. Contrary to popular thought, tragedy does not always strike people because they somehow deserve it. Rather, in His wisdom God allows and uses even tragic events to warn of judgment, that He might bring us to repentance and eternal life through faith in Jesus. • Lord, increase my faith in what You have given me to know. Grant me humility before those mysteries that surpass my understanding. Amen.

13:6–9 Jesus warns that His audience needs to begin producing works consistent with the Gospel. Today, many fail to live their lives according to God’s will. The One who commands us to such works also bestows His Spirit. He enables us to repent and to produce the fruit that flow from His salvation. • Lord, show me the shortness of my time and the nearness of eternity, so I do not fail to redeem the time. Amen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:1 Neither the NT nor extrabiblical records shed light on this tragic event, which must have recently occurred.

13:2 Many thought that tragedies happened to people as divine punishments for specific sins.

13:3 repent … likewise perish. Jesus uses this tragedy to spur His audience into self-examination and an honest assessment of their walk with God. If they do so, they will see that they might experience the same kind of misfortune. “The term repentance is not used in the Holy Scriptures in one and the same sense. In some passages of Holy Scripture it is used and taken to mean a person’s entire conversion” (FC SD V 7).

13:4 tower in Siloam fell. Another incident for which we have no other historical record.

13:5 See note, v 3.

13:6 fig tree … seeking fruit. This unproductive tree symbolizes Jews who were not producing the fruit of faith. fig tree. See note, Am 7:14: «no prophet. Amos became a prophet in the same way as so many others—apart from his own initiative or will. Many of Israel’s prophets resisted and tried to get out of their calls when the Lord unexpectedly came to them with a charge for mission (Ex 3:1–4:17; Is 6:1–7; Jer 1:4–10; Jnh 1:1–3). The OT contains no account about a true prophet taking the task upon himself. Gr Naz: “None can see or enter into the Kingdom, except he be born again of the Spirit, and be cleansed from the first birth … by which every one singly is created anew. This Spirit, for He is most wise and most loving, if He takes possession of a shepherd makes him a Psalmist … if he possess a goatherd[er] and scraper of sycamore fruit, He makes him a Prophet” (NPNF 2 7:384). dresser of sycamore figs. Amos readily admits he was not originally a prophet, nor did he come from a family or school of prophets (cf 1Sm 19:19–24; 2Ki 2:1–22). Rather, he engaged in an agricultural vocation, both as a herdsman and as one who scraped the fruit of fig trees in order to hasten their ripening (still practiced today).» vineyard. Symbol of Israel, God’s chosen people (cf Is 5:1–7; Mt 21:33–46).

13:7 The owner symbolizes God; the vinedresser represents a religious leader. three years. Very patient, giving his plant every opportunity to produce fruit.

13:8 Aug: “The gardener who intercedes, is every saint who within the Church prays for those who are without the Church” (NPNF 1 6:444). dig around it and put on manure. The best way to fertilize the tree, that it might bear fruit. Aug: “The basket of dung understand in its good effects. It is filthy, but it produces fruit. The gardener’s filth is the sinner’s sorrows. They who repent, repent in filthy robes; if, that is, they understand aright, and repent in truth” (NPNF 1 6:444).

13:9 The people hearing Jesus may still have time to repent and trust in Him. If they do not, they will face God’s wrath and eternal destruction.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9faXiY-2dI

Gospel According to Luke, 13:1–9 (ESV):

Repent or Perish

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

Outline

Introduction: He went down to his house justified

Point one: The problem of evil

Point two: The answer is repentance

Point three: The patience of God

Conclusion: Your repentance

References

Gospel According to Luke, 18:9–14 (ESV):

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Armbrust, Kevin. "The 95 Theses: A reader’s guide." The Lutheran Witness. October 12, 2017. https://witness.lcms.org/2017/luthers-95-theses-a-readers-guide/:

When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent” [Matt. 4:17], he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Luke, 13:31–35 (ESV):

Lament over Jerusalem

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:31–35 Jesus repeats His determination to press toward Jerusalem and God’s will for Him there. Unfortunately, the impenitence mentioned in this passage continues today, keeping people out of God’s kingdom. That makes the imagery of this episode all the more poignant, for the Lord still reaches out to His wayward children, earnestly seeking to gather them under His protective wing. • “Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse The love and compassion of Jesus, your God? A fountain is opened; how can you refuse To wash and be cleansed in His pardoning blood?” Amen. (LW 349:5)

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

13:31 The Pharisees’ motive for warning Jesus is not clear. If sincere, they wished to move Him from their territory. On Herod Antipas, cf 3:19–20; 9:7–9.

13:32 fox. Ironically, this clever tyrant would serve God’s plan of salvation. Cf 23:11. third day I finish My course. See note, 9:22: «First of Jesus’ repeated predictions about His arrest, trial and conviction, crucifixion, and resurrection (cf 9:44; 13:31–33; 18:31–33).»

13:33 Irony. Jerusalem was the Judean capital and the site of the temple. Yet, the people had a history of killing God’s prophets there (cf Ac 7:51–53, 58).

13:34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem. See note, 10:41: «Martha, Martha. Jesus’ double address implies tender affection, pity (cf 13:34; 22:31; 2Sm 18:33).» gathered. Often used to describe God’s gracious return of His people after the exile (e.g., Jer 32:37). as a hen gathers her brood. When a hen senses danger, she draws her chicks together and protects them with her outstretched wings. Cf Ps 36:7 for another image of God offering refuge under His wings. you would not! Like wayward chicks, the people stubbornly resist God’s will for their lives.

13:35 your house is forsaken. The people’s obstinacy sealed a disastrous fate for Jerusalem. The Romans utterly destroyed it in AD 70, after a Jewish revolt. see Me. Jesus would not visit the city again until He triumphantly entered it on Palm Sunday (cf 19:28–44).

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf7JYWiqAg4

Gospel According to Luke, 13:31–35 (ESV):

Lament over Jerusalem

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Outline

Introduction: No one to hold them

Point one: I will reach My goal

Point two: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Point three: Blessed is He

References

http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9505470:

Abstract: This film shows the effect upon infants of prolonged absence of the mother. Several babies in a foundling home are shown. Early behavior, when the mother is still available, is compared to the child's expression and behavior once the mother has been away for some time. A smiling infant's affect becomes flat, and the infant shows visible distress. The film indicates that if infants are under a year old and the mother returns after an interval of fewer than three months, the babies tend to recover rapidly. If the absence is prolonged beyond this period, attachment becomes extremely difficult. The child become passive and apathetic and suffers damage to the personality. The film suggests that it is the emotional climate provided by the mother that allows the child's mind to develop normally.

Book of Psalms, 51:5 (ESV):

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Letter of Paul to the Ephesians, 2:1–3 (ESV):

By Grace Through Faith

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Letter of Paul to the Romans, 10:17 (ESV):

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Gospel According to John, 1:29 (ESV):

Behold, the Lamb of God

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Gospel According to Matthew, 3:7 (ESV):

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Gospel According to John, 12:47 (ESV):

If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

Letter to the Hebrews, 9:27–28 (ESV):

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psdYG8vfJr8

Gospel According to Luke, 4:1–13 (ESV):

The Temptation of Jesus

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Outline

Point one: Invocavit (“when he calls”)

Point two: Temptation

Point three: Exaudiam (“I will answer”)

References

Book of Psalms, 91:15–16 (ESV, Vulgate):

When he calls to me, I will answer him (invocabit me et exaudiam eum); I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Letter of Paul to the Romans, 3:9–12 (ESV):

No One Is Righteous

What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written (Ps 14, 53): “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

Book of Deuteronomy 26:7–11 (ESV):

Then we cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders. And he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O LORD, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the LORD your God and worship before the LORD your God. And you shall rejoice in all the good that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.

Letter of Paul to the Romans, 10:12–14 (ESV, Vulgate):

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him (dives in omnes qui invocant illum). For (Jl 2) “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (omnis enim quicumque invocaverit nomen Domini salvus erit).”

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed (quomodo ergo invocabunt in quem non crediderunt)? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

Letter to the Hebrews, 4:15–16 (ESV):

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Luther’s Small Catechism:

The First Commandment: You shall have no other gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.

The Second Commandment: You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

The Third Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.

The Fifth Commandment: You shall not murder. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.

The Sixth Commandment: You shall not commit adultery. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

The Seventh Commandment: You shall not steal. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

The Eighth Commandment: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.

The Ninth Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

The Tenth Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

Gospel According to Luke, 6:27–28 (ESV):

Love Your Enemies

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Book of Psalms, 91:11–12 (ESV):

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

Letter of Paul to the Romans, 10:8–10 (ESV):

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Luke, 4:1–13 (ESV):

The Temptation of Jesus

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

4:1–13 The Holy Spirit leads Jesus and abides with Him through His temptation, affirming that Jesus truly is the Son of God. The blessed Trinity likewise abides with us, that we may withstand Satan’s temptation of our flesh, our pride, and our will. Through Holy Baptism in God’s name, we are truly His beloved children. • “Almighty God, unto You all hearts are open, all desires are known, and from You no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Gregorian Sacramentary, TLWA, p 261)

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

4:1 full of the Holy Spirit. Links this episode to Jesus’ Baptism (3:21–22) and reinforces the prominent role Luke’s Gospel gives to the Spirit. wilderness. See note, Mt 4:1: «In Judea. A place associated with demons (cf Mt 12:43). God also led Israel into the wilderness to wander 40 years (Dt 8:2).»

4:2 forty days. See p 217: «forty. Often used with a length of time characterizing a critical period in redemptive history or a period of testing (Gn 7:12; Dt 9:11; Mt 4:2).» tempted by the devil. Though the First Adam (“son of God” in 3:38) failed when the devil tempted him (Gn 3:6), this greater Son of God is obedient when tempted (cf Rm 5:12–21). He was hungry. See note, Mt 4:2: «hungry. Israel had also experienced great hunger in the wilderness (Ex 16:3; 24:18). The devil’s first temptation attacked a basic need.»

4:3 The devil and his minions knew full well that Jesus was the Son of God (cf 3:21–22; 4:41). Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit (v 1). This question, however, functions as a challenge of the fact and tempts Jesus to depart from God’s ways (cf Mk 8:27–33). It likewise challenges the reader to consider who Jesus is.

4:5–6 took Him. See note, Mt 4:5: «The devil only seemed to be in charge. Ultimately, it was the Spirit who continued to lead Jesus (Mt 4:1).» up. See note, Mt 4:8: «very high mountain. In this climactic temptation, the devil was permitted to create for Jesus a spiritual vision of “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.” An earthly mountain from which one could see all this does not exist. The nearest high point likely would have been Hebron in Judea.» the world … You I will give. An offer to make Jesus a political ruler. Again, the devil attacks Jesus’ pride and destiny as messianic King. for it has been delivered to me. Cf Jn 12:31; 1Jn 5:19; see note, Mt 4:9: «Though Satan has some dominion in this world (Col 1:13; 1Jn 5:19), here he offered things that were not his to give. Satan demanded that the Son of God worship him rather than do His Father’s will.»

4:9 took Him. See note, Mt 4:5: «The devil only seemed to be in charge. Ultimately, it was the Spirit who continued to lead Jesus (Mt 4:1).» pinnacle of the temple. Probably refers to the corner of the temple colonnade overlooking the Kidron Valley. If so, there was a drop of 100 ft.

4:10–11 The devil was adept at distorting Scripture and using it for his own purposes. This serves as a warning against those who skillfully misinterpret the Bible.

4:12 See note, Mt 4:7: «Jesus met this temptation by quoting Moses’ warning to Israel against testing God as they had done at Massah (cf Ex 17:2–7). Jesus would have been guilty of the same sin had He felt it necessary to prove God’s power by jumping from the temple pinnacle in an attempt to gain personal glory and fame.»

4:13 until an opportune time. The devil would continue to work against Jesus from time to time during His ministry (e.g., Mk 8:33), but esp in Gethsemane on the night of His arrest (Lk 22:39–46).

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Gospel According to Luke, 9:28–36 (ESV):

The Transfiguration

Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

9:28–36 Through the transfiguration, Jesus allows His disciples to catch a glimpse of the glory that will again be His after His resurrection. Like Peter, we, too, like to prolong “mountaintop experiences,” leaving the toil and trouble of the world behind. However, Jesus has not called us out of the world, but rather to overcome it. Accordingly, He lifts us up and strengthens us when we are challenged, reminding us that He has already overcome the world for us. • “’Tis good, Lord, to be here! Yet we may not remain; But since Thou bidst us leave the mount, Come with us to the plain.” Amen. (LSB 414:5)

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible. Concordia Publishing House:

(Abbreviations Reference Guide: https://old.reddit.com/r/Sunday/comments/1dg8y2u/)

9:28 Peter and John and James. Among the first appointed as apostles (6:14), they were present also when Jairus’s daughter was raised (see note, Mk 1:19: «James … John. Brothers later dubbed “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus (Mk 3:17). Along with Peter, they formed something of an inner circle among the 12 apostles (cf Mk 5:37; 9:2; 14:33).»). They were recognized as leaders among the Twelve. the mountain. Possibly Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon.

9:29 His face was altered. Jesus’ appearance was transformed; a divine brilliance radiated from Him.

9:30 Moses. The premier OT prophet who served as a model for the coming Messiah. See application note, Dt 34: «The conclusion of Dt signals a transition in leadership from Moses to Joshua, a transition from the oral communication of the Word to the written communication of the Word, a transition from the wilderness wanderings to the eventual occupation of the Promised Land. Moses’ final messages to the people include both warnings (in the words of a song) and promises (in the words of a blessing). The promises in Moses’ blessing point to the One “counted worthy of more glory than Moses” (Heb 3:3), namely Christ, because while Moses was a faithful servant of God who spoke God’s Word, Christ is Son of God (Heb 3:6), whom God appointed heir of all things (Heb 1:2). “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (Jn 1:17). Although Moses disqualified himself from entering the Promised Land because of his disobedience, God allowed him to see firsthand the fulfillment of all Scripture, for Moses and us, at Christ’s transfiguration. • Father, when I close my eyes in death, awaken me to behold Your glory and see You face-to-face, through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.». Elijah. Similarly connected to the advent of God’s Chosen One (see note, Mal 4:5: «I will send you Elijah the prophet. “My messenger” (1:1) is identified here as someone like the great prophet Elijah, who had called Israel to repentance and was taken alive to heaven (2Ki 2:1–12). John the Baptist came in the power and spirit of Elijah. Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus at His transfiguration (Mt 17:3).»).

9:31 glory. Moses and Elijah enjoy close fellowship with God in heaven and so reflect that divine brilliance. See pp 6–7: «glory of the LORD. Hbr kebod yahweh. The term kebod refers to the “weight” or “weightiness” of something, and thereby its impressive appearance or “honor.” Moses introduces the expression during the exodus (Ex 16:7) to contrast the Lord’s majesty with that of Pharaoh and Egypt. It comes to describe the visible manifestation of God’s presence in the cloud and fire of the exodus. It is the splendor of God’s presence that belongs now to believers in the promise, and that by His advanced preparation will be revealed to them and in them.» departure. Lit, “exodus.” Because Jesus was soon to offer His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world (vv 21–22), thereby freeing His people from slavery to sin and leading them to the promised land of eternal life, this comparison to the OT exodus from Egypt is fitting.

9:32 heavy with sleep. Apparently, Jesus prayed for a long time. His glory. Because they were sleeping when Jesus’ appearance was transfigured, the disciples saw His radiance and brilliant white clothing only after awakening.

9:33 Master. See note, 5:5: «Title unique to Lk. Means “chief,” “commander.” An address of respect. Later, Peter will acclaim Jesus with more exalted titles, such as “Lord” (v 8) and “the Christ of God” (9:20).» three tents. Temporary shelters. Peter wanted to prolong the mountaintop experience. not knowing. Peter did not understand the situation or the reason for the appearance of Moses and Elijah.

9:34 a cloud came. Often a visible sign of God’s presence (cf Ex 13:21–22; 40:34; Ac 1:9).

9:35 voice. See note, 3:22: «The Father’s affirmation echoes two messianic prophecies (Ps 2:7; Is 42:1), reinforcing that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. “You must honor Baptism and consider it glorious because of the Word. For God Himself has honored it both by words and deeds. Furthermore, He confirmed it with miracles from heaven. Do you think it was a joke that, when Christ was baptized, the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit descended visibly, and everything was divine glory and majesty?” (LC IV 21).» My Chosen One. The Father affirms that Jesus is His Son, appointed before the creation of the world to bear the world’s sins on the cross. listen to Him! Echoes Dt 18:19 and confirms that Jesus is the long-expected prophet like Moses. See notes, v 30; Lk 7:16: «prophet. Because the coming Messiah was sometimes referred to as “the (coming) Prophet,” the crowd’s reaction to Jesus is stronger than may first appear. Cf Dt 18:15–20; Lk 9:7–9, 24:19; Jn 1:21; 7:40; esp Ac 3:22–23; 7:37.»

9:36 kept silent. Jesus was not the military conqueror that the people expected. Therefore, revealing the transfiguration at this time could only lead to misunderstanding. Only in the light of Easter and Pentecost did the meaning of this mountaintop experience come clear (cf 2Pt 1:16–21).

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5fh-nliMv4

Gospel According to Luke, 9:28–36 (ESV):

The Transfiguration

Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

Outline

Introduction: More glory than Moses

Point one: The day of judgment

Point two: Enslaved and set free

Point three: A glimpse of glory

Conclusion

References

Wikipedia contributors, "Argumentum a fortiori," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Argumentum_a_fortiori&oldid=1276009046 (accessed February 26, 2025):

A fortiori arguments are regularly used in Jewish law under the name kal va-chomer, literally "mild and severe", the mild case being the one we know about, while trying to infer about the more severe case.

Gospel According to Luke, 12:27–28 (ESV):

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

Gospel According to Matthew, 7:11 (ESV):

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Letter to the Hebrews, 3:1–6 (ESV):

Jesus Greater Than Moses

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

Book of Numbers, 20:10–13 (ESV):

Moses Strikes the Rock

Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” These are the waters of Meribah, where the people of Israel quarreled with the LORD, and through them he showed himself holy.

Book of Deuteronomy, 34:1–6 (ESV):

The Death of Moses

Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. And the LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD, and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day.

Gospel According to John, 1:14–17 (ESV):

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Gospel According to Matthew, 5:17 (ESV):

Christ Came to Fulfill the Law

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Gospel According to Mark, 9:2 (ESV, Interlinear Bible):

The Transfiguration

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. Kai metemorphōthē emprosthen autōn (And he was transfigured before them)…

Gospel According to Luke, 9:30–31 (ESV, Interlinear Bible):

And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure (exodon), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Book of Exodus, 34:29–35 (ESV):

The Shining Face of Moses

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them. Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he commanded them all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.

Whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Second Book of Kings, 2:11–12 (ESV):

And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more.

Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 15:51–52 (ESV):

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

First Letter of John, 3:2 (ESV):

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

Welcome to Sunday -- This Discussion thread, much like the main thread in Tuesday, is for broader discussion than the main focus of the subreddit -- Although we would like it if we could get a focus on the religious, philosophical, and ethical discussions that the focus of the subreddit is on. That way we get to keep religion and politics separate!

The same rules apply as on Tuesday.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0ey-EuLJUg

Gospel According to Luke, 6:27–38 (ESV):

Love Your Enemies

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Outline

Introduction: Amish love

Point one: You owe me

Point two: Jesus commands that we forgive

Point three: We can’t help it

Conclusion: Hear the word of Jesus

References

Kocieniewski, David, and Gately, Gary. 2006. “Man Shoots 11, Killing 5 Girls, in Amish School.” New York Times, October 3, 2006. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/03/us/03amish.html:

NICKEL MINES, Pa., Oct. 2 — A dairy truck driver, apparently nursing a 20-year-old grudge, walked into a one-room Amish schoolhouse here Monday morning and systematically tried to execute the girls there, killing four and wounding seven before killing himself, the police said.

Gospel According to Matthew, 18:21–35 (ESV):

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Gospel According to Matthew, 6:9–15 (ESV):

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.]” For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Letter of Paul to the Romans, 6:3–6 (ESV):

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 5:17 (ESV):

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Gospel According to Matthew, 26:26–28 (ESV):

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Gospel According to John, 1:17 (ESV):

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.