Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

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