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Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 22:1-22. Jesus continues preaching against the Jewish religious leaders on Monday of Holy Week by telling the parable of the wedding feast. God the Father is the King, Jesus is the Bridegroom, and the Church is the Bride. Those who are invited first but refuse to come are the Jewish religious leaders who would not listen to the preaching of John the Baptist and the apostles. They would not believe the invitation to the wedding feast: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The judgment against this rejection of Christ will be severe in AD 70. Still, God desires all to be saved, and so He sends the Gospel call out to all. Those who believe in Christ for salvation are those who wear the clothes of His righteousness; those who do not believe in Christ for salvation will be cast into eternal judgment. The warning of the parable is clear: do not spurn God’s invitation to receive His means of

Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 21:23-46. Jesus’ authority has been on clear display at the beginning of Holy Week, and the chief priests and elders are quick to challenge Him. Jesus’ question in return only escalates the matter of authority. If these religious leaders had been exercising true authority, they either would have believed in John as a teacher from God, or they would have rejected him outright as a liar. Their failure to do either shows that the only authority they have comes from their manipulation of the crowds. Jesus refuses to answer to such false authority and launches into two parables against them. The first parable exposes these religious leaders who have aligned themselves against God’s will because they rejected John and Jesus. This contrasts with the tax collectors and prostitutes, whose lives had first rejected God’s will but now have aligned themselves with God’s will by believing the preaching of Joh

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 21:1-22. The triumph of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is not that of a conquering Roman emperor. Instead, He comes to conquer sin, death, and the devil by His own death on the cross. The donkey on which Jesus rides marks Him as the King greater than Solomon who has come in humility to serve sinners by giving His life in the place of theirs. The crowds rightly acclaim Him with shouts of “Hosanna” and praises from the Psalms, even if they do not fully grasp the truth they are proclaiming. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, He reveals Himself as King, Prophet, and Priest. He goes to the Temple, not merely to reform it, but to replace it as the once-for-all final sacrifice for sins. Though children believe and sing Jesus’ praises, those who should have recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament refuse to believe. Jesus gives a picture of the judgment that awaits them in the fruitless fi

Rev. AJ Espinosa, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, CA and host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 20:17-34. For the third time, Jesus tells His disciples of His upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection. Although Jesus goes into greater detail this time than the previous two, His disciples still fail to grasp what He means. Their conception of the Son of Man does not involve the suffering and death of which Jesus continually speaks. This becomes apparent as the mother of the sons of Zebedee asks Jesus that her sons, James and John, would be granted to sit at Jesus’ right and left when He comes in His kingdom. Jesus tells them that they do not know their request; His cup to drink is the cup of God’s wrath for sinners. Though James and John will share in their Lord’s suffering, the places of glory for which they ask are not Jesus’ to grant. When the other disciples become indignant at James and John, Jesus teaches them all concerning true greatness

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 20:1-16. Jesus tells a parable to illustrate His saying at the end of chapter 19: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Jesus’ parable does not illustrate sound business practices for a vineyard, but life in the kingdom of heaven. The master who calls workers to go into his vineyard throughout the day teaches us that God loves to give. He continually calls sinners into His kingdom completely by His grace. Salvation is only His to give; it is never something that sinners earn. The workers hired at the beginning of the day lost sight of this truth when they grumbled at the master giving the workers hired at the end of the day the same wage. This stands as a warning to Christians who would begin to think that their work has earned some sort of payout from God. He gives what is His freely through the death and resu

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 19:16-30. A rich young man comes to Jesus acknowledging Him as a teacher and questioning Him about eternal life. The question becomes: “Will this rich young man believe the answer Jesus gives?” As Jesus engages the man, He calls him into a deeper understanding of Jesus’ identity not just as a Teacher, but as God Himself. Jesus first reminds the man of the commandments that deal with outward love toward the neighbor. When the man thinks he has kept these, Jesus goes to the matter of the heart. Jesus calls the man away from the idolatry of his possessions and instead tells the man to follow Him. The man’s refusal to forsake his idolatry becomes the occasion for Jesus to teach His disciples concerning the obstacle that wealth is to entering the kingdom of heaven. The only way anyone is saved is not by their own efforts, but solely by the grace of God. He has accomplished this i

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, IA and St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 19:1-15. Jesus begins His journey south toward Jerusalem. On the east side of the Jordan River, the Pharisees confront Him to test Him concerning matters of marriage and divorce. Their approach to the Law is wrong from the start; they come at God’s Law looking for ways by which they can bend it and justify themselves by their outward behavior. Jesus does not play this game with the Pharisees. He calls them not to start with matters of casuistry in the outward civil Law, but rather to start with what God has done from the beginning. Jesus plainly states the good gift that God has given in marriage. God unites one man and one woman as one flesh for the rest of their lives. This good gift of God is where all conversation concerning marriage must start. That is true both for those who are married and those who are single; in either case, Jesus calls H

Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 18:21-35. Peter probably thought he was being generous in suggesting forgiveness for his brother seven times. Jesus’ answer is far greater, teaching Peter and all His disciples of the boundless forgiveness of God. The parable Jesus tells highlights the forgiveness of the king. The first servant has racked up a debt that is unimaginable. When the king calls him to account, he begs for patience and promises to pay back everything. This is laughable, but the king in his compassion forgives the entire debt. Amazingly, this same servant goes out and demands repayment from a fellow servant of a debt that is minuscule compared to his own. When patience is begged, the first servant refuses to forgive. His lack of forgiveness shows that he thinks he can pay back the king for his debt, and so the king gives him what he desires by throwing him into jail. The entire parable is a picture of God’s forgivene

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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