Lent - Day 27 - A Destructive Infection

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

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At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. 

Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. 

If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 

Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” 

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.

Matthew 18:1-35

Before modern medicine and technology, it was common for injuries to require the immediate amputation of a limb. This was done in order to prevent an infection from developing and spreading to the rest of the body and potentially causing death. Infection can kill. So can the infection of sin. While Jesus’ words seem over the top, His message is not. If we knew there was a sin that would directly lead to us falling away from faith, wouldn’t we do everything we could to never fall into that sin? If we fully knew the damaging effect our sinful actions or words would have on others, wouldn’t we work to not commit those sins?

 

All sin is an infection; it leads to other sin, corrupts and destroys other areas of our life, spreads hurt to others, and often does irreparable harm. Is it any wonder Jesus was willing to pay the ultimate price to bring about life and healing to a world infected with sin? Christ calls us to address the sin that exists in our life: Sin which we try to minimize, cover up, ignore, or pretend to have under control. “Cut it out of your bodies,” He says. Turn it over to Him, and let Him mend and heal you. Most importantly, let Him speak His Word which does not excuse it or explain it away but rather forgives it, as ugly as it is.

Prayer:

Lord, 

         Remove the infection. Help us to contend with our sin honestly and make changes in our lives where changes are needed. Help us to rest in the only cure and healing balm—the Cross of Calvary and Your precious blood. Amen.

Lent - Day 26 - A Time to Grieve

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 

And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. 

And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” 

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed. 

When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.

Matthew 17:1-27

“And the disciples were filled with grief.” In Matthew chapter 17 for the second time Jesus gives a prediction of His death and resurrection. During this Lenten season as the days move on and we get closer and closer to Holy Week the mood gets more and more serious. It is easy for us to look at the cross and speak of the gift of our salvation; to focus on the beautiful story of redemption. It is something totally different to focus on the ugliness of death. It leaves a disconcerting feeling to look at the Lord dying. It is reasonable to find it troubling to see Jesus (our Savior yes, but also our friend) die. It fills us with grief. This Lenten season allow yourself to not just flip past the pages of the crucifixion, but to grieve during this time... Grieve for your sinfulness which necessitated such a death. Grieve about the cross. Then allow God to heal that grief and sorrow [as He brings life].

Prayer:

Dear Father, 

                  You are filled with compassion for Your children. As we grieve during this Lenten season, comfort us as only You are able. Amen.

Lent - Day 25 - We Have a Teacher

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. 

When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. 

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” 

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.

Matthew 16:1-28

“This was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” In Matthew 16 we see yet another reason why we need the Holy Spirit in order to live our lives of faith. The Bible says that the wisdom of God is foolishness to the world. Left with our sinful nature and the world as our teachers, there is no way we could ever know or understand the grace of God. There is no way we could ever come to believe and receive life-giving faith. For this reason, we rejoice that God has graciously filled us with His Spirit. He places people in our lives who help cultivate a saving faith. By grace, God has revealed His message to us.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, 

                 Fill us with Your understanding. Quiet our minds so that we might hear more of the message that the Father is directing our hearts to hear. Amen.

Lent - Day 24 - Loopholes and Excuses

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” 

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” 

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. 

Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there. And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. 

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 

And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

Matthew 15:1-39

Do we ever use our traditions, or even our faith as a front or excuse to disobey the will of God? Jesus confronts the Pharisees for doing just that. The example He uses is that of a parent in need asking a grown child for help. In this situation some of the Pharisees had been responding to their parents by saying that the money they had available to give to help them was already set aside to give to God. With statements like that how could any parent ever feel right in taking that money or assistance? Religious practice was being used as a legal loophole in order to get away with disobeying God’s command to obey parents and care for them. Do we ever find ourselves manipulating God’s will and command in similar ways? Do we defend our words of slander against others by saying we are only pointing out God’s commands? Do we hide our fear of showing love and compassion to strangers behind the “many other things” that God needs us to do? Do we pretend we withhold love or forgiveness in relationships, “only” to help God work repentance in that person’s heart?

Prayer:

God of mercy, 

                    Forgive us for the times we have used this faith You have worked in us as a façade for sinful motives or actions. Help us to instead respond to others with the same grace You show, and have shown us. Amen.

Lent - Day 23 - Little Faith, Mighty Lord, Amazing Grace

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

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At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus. 

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. 

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” 

And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Matthew 14:1-36

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” I cannot imagine my journey of faith with its many valleys chronicled in the pages of history for all humanity to recall. What a blessing for us that Peter’s journey is recorded. Just a chapter earlier we heard the great faith that God can work, faith that grows from the smallest of seeds, branching out to a great tree. We then look at our own faith seeming to pale in that comparison. Faith can at times seem such a fragile thing, too easily distracted, distorted, or disheartened. It is hard to know the exact tone of Jesus’s words as He speaks to Peter, sinking in the water before Him. Was Jesus angry, hurt, or disappointed? In many ways, the exact tone matters little. It is our Lord’s purpose that is key. Our Lord redirects our attention onto the “author and perfecter of our faith” that we would “fix our eyes on Jesus”. (Hebrews 12:2) 

It is not that God wants us to have a strong faith to prove our worthiness of His grace. Our Father desires to work in us the greatest of faiths because He knows all that we will face and endure in this world. Our Lord knows the many things which cause doubts to creep into our lives. He sees the reality of how we are attacked in flesh and spirit. His desire is that we be bolstered in faith with His almighty hand, enduring in the power of His cross which has brought us salvation. “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Prayer:

Lord, strengthen my faith and remove my unbelief. Amen.

Lent - Day 22 - His Love Gave Everything for Us

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.” Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:31-58

Have you noticed how, throughout Matthew 13, the main character in each of the parables depicts God? Now look at the parable of the hidden treasure and pearl of great value. Typically these parables are explained to say that faith and salvation are such great treasures that we should give up everything else to receive it. But what if God is “the man” in these parables as well? If so, then Jesus is saying this is how the reign of God works: God sees a treasure or a pearl, and then gives up everything He has in order that He may have that treasure. If this is what Christ is saying, then do you see that he is trying to show us that we are that pearl? We are His treasure. This is the great love God has for us. Despite our unworthiness He values us so highly that He chose to purchase and redeem us. He gave up everything, even His Son, in order that we might be His.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

                           Thank You for Your overwhelming love. Help me to view my self-worth through the love You have already shown me. Help me also to realize the great treasure I have been given that I would not take it for granted but rather cling to it even if it means forsaking all other things. Amen.

Lent - Day 21 - Heaven at Work

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

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That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” 

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:
'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.'

For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes 

and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'
But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Hear then the parable of the sower: 

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” 

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weed among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.' Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”
Matthew 13:1-30

Sometimes significant points from the Bible get “lost in translation.” In Greek, the word "kingdom" has a verbal understanding to it that we miss. This can leave us with the impression that here Jesus is talking about a place. Instead, when we see the phrase, “The kingdom of heaven is like…” it is helpful to understand it as saying, “This is how the reign of heaven works.” The reign of heaven works in such a way that the Word of God is planted in the lives of people, producing faith when it is nourished. The reign of heaven works in such a way that those who will be saved and those who will be condemned exist side by side in this world until the Day of Judgment. It is so important to know that the reign of heaven is not a future destination, but rather what takes place right now in your life. God is King, and He reigns in your life today and forever.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

                           Thy Kingdom come. Let Your heavenly reign be at work in my life. Grant me Your Holy Spirit that by Your grace I may believe Your Word and lead a godly life. Amen.

Lent - Day 20 - Good Fruit from a Good Tree

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.

Matthew 12:22-50

“A tree is recognized by its fruit.” What fruit do others see from you? What careless words would condemn you, what careless actions? These words of Christ cut to the heart when we honestly reflect on the “fruit” we seem to produce. Our sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit. Our flesh is all too willing to carry out those contrary desires. Our Lord directs us to look upon another tree, the tree of His cross. This tree bears fruit, the fruit of forgiveness, and faith. While we are certain to look for moral behaviors as evidence, Jesus looks for repentance. The fruit giving account on the last day are the words that give witness to a need for Christ and His life-giving salvation that washes and cleanses, ransoms and redeems. The fruit God produces in us is a true confession of Christ and His saving work. The faith He works in us that openly depends on His mercy. But this is the power of God’s grace, not only does He produce in us the fruit of repentance and confession of Christ’s saving work, but despite our sinful condition which does not perfectly obey God’s commands, He also produces other fruit of the Spirit who is at work in each of us: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (see Galatians 5)

Prayer:

Father, 

          Thank You for Jesus our Savior who has redeemed us. Continue to produce in us a heart of repentance that gives true confession to the saving work accomplished for us. Grant that our lives may also evidence the working of the Holy Spirit in the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. Amen.

Lent - Day 19 - An Invitation, Not a Burden

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” 

He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.

Matthew 12:1-21

Whenever the Pharisees come into the story you can almost hear the melodramatic music of scheming villains playing in the background, announcing their arrival. In reality, the Pharisees were the “church-going leaders” of the time. They were the ones who, as far as the people could tell, knew God’s Word best, prayed the right ways, and faithfully went to all religious gatherings. However, Jesus helps to show us that they took everything that God had given them, everything God spoke, and emptied it of the intentions and desires of God. Out of a desire to establish a segregating holiness, a need to distinguish between those within God’s favor and those on the outside, they added legislation and clarifying definition to God’s Word. I suppose that is the tendency of our sinful natures. But we should recall Jesus’ words from the end of Matthew 11 where He said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” What does God desire of us? What has He given to us that we empty of its purpose? Has prayer become empty words or a burdensome requirement? Is church a thoughtless activity or an overwhelming obligation? Is there something else that needs this sort of examination? God calls us to gather in His house, pray in His name, and live in relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ not as a fulfillment of some excessive stack of legislation. These and many other things are invitations to experience the manifestation of God’s mercy in Jesus that we would find rest for our souls. So let us throw off the burdening chains of empty obligation or self-righteous demonstration. Instead, through these “things of God” may we find our strengthening and encouragement…rest for our souls.

Prayer:

Almighty God, 

                      May Your Word and work be a refreshing spring to our spirit that it would bring joy rather than burden and that we would not neglect such needful gifts of Your grace. Amen.

Lent - Day 18 - Look! He's the One

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:1-30

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk …the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” These words don’t simply say Jesus is Lord because of these great and powerful acts. These are the very events Isaiah prophesied would take place in order to draw attention and proclaim to everyone, “Hey! Look here! This is the Messiah!” It was not random that Christ performed the miracles he performed. Each miracle declared, “I am the Messiah.” 

When we struggle in our faith, Jesus responds by saying, “Hey, look at what was heard and seen. Look at what the eyewitnesses are reporting to you. Look not only at their reports of the miracles I performed, but also at their reports of the cross, the empty tomb, and my ascension. Do not be discouraged. Instead let me encourage you in your faith.”

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, 

                You spoke through the prophets about the Messiah. You spoke through the disciples, so we would know what they witnessed about Jesus. Speak to us through reading Your written Word and hearing Your Word preached, that our faith would be encouraged. Amen.

Lent - Day 17 - Hold Fast to Christ

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 

Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.

Matthew 10:12-42

“I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Are these really the words of Jesus, the Prince of Peace? When He was born didn’t the angels declare, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men”? Yesterday we read how He sent out the disciples to bring peace to any house that would receive them. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the One who brings peace between God and humanity by His redeeming death. But He does not bring only peace. His message cuts like a sword that cleaves a very clear line in the response of every person. Some hear the call of the gospel and by God’s gracious action respond to their own sin with repentance, clinging in faith to the cross alone which saves them. However, others who hear the same gospel message, unfortunately, reject Christ’s gospel message and life-giving sacrifice, desiring instead to defend themselves, remain in their sin, or seek another way. This division has ramifications beyond one’s relationship with God. Jesus warns us that it will extend into the relationships between people. Those who reject Christ are also likely to reject those who follow Christ, or at least reject this key and central truth about them. Disciples of Jesus will find themselves in situations where they will have to make hard choices. We will face pressures to either make changes in our trust in Christ in order to make peace with others or cling in faith to Christ even at the risk of losing that peace with others. Jesus promises us that by clinging to faith in Him, we will discover that we have found true peace and life forever.

Prayer:

Jesus Christ, 

                  You are my Rock and Salvation. Strengthen me to be ready to stand in the face of any persecution that may come on account of You. Amen.

Lent - Day 16 - The Furthest... Right Next Door

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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He called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.

Matthew 10:1-11

When Jesus sends out the disciples this first time He gives them strict instructions not to go to the Gentiles. This may seem strange to us. After all, God’s Word is clear that Jesus came to save the whole world. When we get to the conclusion of Matthew, Jesus leaves the disciples with the Great Commission: go into all the world with the gospel. But here they were first to focus on the lost sheep of Israel. They were to begin somewhere: with their own people—people they understood and could easily connect with. So often, when hearing God’s invitation to be witnesses, our first inclination is to jump to worldwide opportunities. But what about opportunities in our hundred-foot circles of daily life? We are often ready to support missionaries in third world regions or take week-long mission trips to foreign countries. But can we allow ourselves to be vulnerable close to home? God wants His Church to reach the ends of the earth. Sometimes those most in need of the gospel are mere steps away in our daily life. Can we gain the courage to invest not only our money to mission opportunities but invest ourselves in the lives of those we know? Can we allow ourselves to speak about Jesus today to those we still have to see at work, in class, or in our residences and neighborhoods tomorrow? This can be a scary proposition. But Jesus gives us His promise, “I am with you always.”

Prayer:

Lord, 

       In spreading the gospel to the world, please help me to start here. By Your Spirit, grant me the wisdom, guidance, and encouragement I need. Amen.

Lent - Day15 - Made New

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

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Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district. And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread his fame through all that district. As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Matthew 9:14-38

When Jesus points out that you would never put an un-shrunk patch on old clothes, or put new wine in an old wineskin, He is not talking about wine and clothes. Jesus is actually talking about Himself and our lives of faith. Doing those things would not work and would instead ruin the items involved. Jesus is not simply a patch that can be stitched to cover a hole, used to repair something that is already in place. Instead, He is the fulfillment of all things. Jesus is not something new that can be contained within something old. He is the very Son of God, He comes to be contained in something that has been made new. Jesus has come to be the end all in our lives, to fill us completely, to make us new, to be our lives rather than just a part of our life.

Prayer:

Jesus, 

          Make us into a new creation. Help us to cast off the old ways of sin, that we may rejoice daily in the new life You give. Amen.

Lent - Day 14 - The Greatest Miracle

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

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Getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. 

When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men. As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Matthew 9:1-13

Matthew chapters 8 and 9 hold an accumulation of at least nine different miracles depending on how exactly you number the accounts. In the midst of all these miracles, Matthew records what he probably considered the greatest miracle of all: That Jesus, the Son of God, would turn to him, a sinner, and say, “Follow me.” For all the miracles that take place, there is no greater miracle than being called to faith, and given the gift of life. Take time today to reflect on that miracle which the Holy Spirit has worked in your life.

Prayer:

Merciful Father, 

                       Through Jesus Christ You have called me from death to life. What a lifesaving miracle that is. Thank You for that gift. Amen.

Lent - Day 13 - He Carried Our Diseases

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave.

Matthew 8:1-34

In the days of Jesus’ ministry, leprosy was a horrible disease that ate away at the very existence of a person. A person with leprosy was considered unclean and therefore separated from the life of the community. Sin acts in much the same way. It eats away at the life that God intended for us. It brings death and destruction to this creation. It separates us from God and isolates us from others because we are unclean. That is why Jesus’s crucifixion is such a gift of mercy. There, “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” He became a man and took on human flesh. He took on our leprous sin. He became our disease in order that we might be made clean.

Prayer:

Lord, 

         Thank You for cleansing us with Your precious blood and for clothing us in Your righteousness. Remove our sin today. Amen.

Lent - Day 12 (Sunday, March 16) - Spoken with Authority

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it. And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Matthew 7:13-29

Jesus taught as One with authority. All of the things that Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount are spoken not simply as a good teacher, but rather as the Voice who with authority spoke all of creation into existence. It is with that same authority that God continues to speak to us today through His Spirit and His Word. When He calls us to lives of repentance, He speaks with authority. When He says, “Your sins are forgiven” He speaks with authority. When He instructs us to hear, “These words of mine and put them into practice” He speaks with authority. Allow Christ’s authority to resonate in your life today.

Prayer:

Jesus Christ, 

                     Speak and act in our lives with Your authority, that we might live as one who has been redeemed. Amen.

Lent - Day 11 (Saturday, March 15th) - Reconciliation, Not Condemnation

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 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! So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:1-12

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” As Christians we might misapply this verse as a way to get out of our Christian responsibility for one another or in order to escape the possibility of having our own actions judged by others. We are in fact called and commanded by God lovingly to point out and address the sins of one another. We do this in order to lead one another away from sin, bring one another to repentance, and call one another to the lives that God would have us live. The problem is we often do not “judge” when it would be helpful and appropriate but still manage to ignore these words in the very situations that Christ was speaking to (tearing into the reputation of others, covering up our own sin, winning an argument, or participating in gossip). It is often a response not of compassion and concern but rather hurt or anger. What relationship could be healed and mended by pulling the log out of your own eye? Where could you use the Holy Spirit’s strength to be humbled and apologize for your own sins, even in a situation where you feel hurt or wronged? God desires reconciliation amongst His people. By the same grace and mercy that reconciled us to the Father, through His death on the cross, Jesus empowers us to humbly and patiently work to be reconciled to others.

Prayer:

Father, 

           Forgive us of our sin. Help us to humbly seek forgiveness from others whom we have hurt or wronged. Help us to freely forgive others in order that we may be reconciled [not only to them, but especially to You]. Amen.

Lent - Day 10 (Friday, March 14th) - Which Master Do You Want?

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, 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 of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:16-34

We imprison ourselves, don’t we? The earthly treasures we have or want become possessions that possess us, and rule over us. Things…the need for things…the need to hold on to things runs our lives and can rob us of so much joy because they do not and cannot have lasting value. It’s not that possessions are bad, but in our sinfulness, we are prone to putting ourselves in bondage to masters other than God (even inanimate masters). We do the same thing with the needs of life. Our needs become worries. Worries become anxieties that consume, overwhelm, burden, and oppress us as a self-inflicted tyranny. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth.” “Do not be anxious about your life.” With these words, Jesus calls for us to have the Father alone as our Master and entrust our lives into His hands. We should ensure we don’t hear this as some sort of power grab of another tyrannical master demanding servitude. (Although our sinful flesh often reacts as if that is the case.) Instead hear it in view of some other words of Christ. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-29)

Prayer:

Gracious Father, 

                         Help us to not run after all the things of this world. Let any anxiety be replaced by Your peace and joy. Amen.

Mom is in the hospital

 She was admitted Thursday night. She will resume the Promise when she is released. 

Lent - Day Nine - Our Father

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 

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 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.

Matthew 6:1-15

Why do we pray the Lord’s Prayer? Not knowing why might cause our use of the prayer to become nothing more than an empty ritual of repetition. Not knowing the answer to that question might lead us to abandon this prayer altogether. We may ask, “Isn’t it better for us simply to pray what is on our hearts?” 

The challenge in that mindset is that Jesus reminds us our hearts are corrupted by our sinfulness. Prayers guided only by our hearts can become echoes of our sinful thoughts and desires. God desires that we pray and that we do so fully engaged and present in our time of prayer. He wants us to come to Him with the desires and needs weighing on our hearts and minds. That is why, through Jesus, He gives us the right to be called His children and the invitation to go to Him as our Heavenly Father. With that invitation, the Lord’s Prayer is a gift of God’s grace, which not only gives expression to the things we need in this life but also conforms our hearts and prayers to the good He desires for us, rather than having us expect that God’s will would be conformed to our desires. It is a gift of grace which not only reminds us that He wants us to pray but also that He promises to hear us.

Prayer:

Lord, 

         Teach us to pray. This Lent, shape us to depend on You more each day. Help us to trust Your good and gracious will. Amen.

Lent - Day Eight - Righteous Expectation, Gracious Invitation

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
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You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil,
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:21-48

Is it all for shock value? When Jesus says that hating our brother is killing him, lusting is the same as adultery, divorcing a spouse makes both adulterers, we are to respond to evil with good, and we are to love not only our neighbors, but even our enemies, is He speaking with enormous exaggeration to make a point, or is that what he actually expects from us?

In our sinfulness we far too easily explain away and minimize our wretched behaviors. These aren’t simply exaggerations. These are the real desires that our Righteous God has for His creation. But these words are not meant only to condemn. With these words, Jesus calls us to self-examination. Jesus prompts us to see our need for forgiveness, confess, cling to Him, receive His forgiveness, and be renewed as a new creation ready to do His will.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit,
                  Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.

Lent - Day Seven - You Are Blessed

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025 

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Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 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. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:1-20

So often the Beatitudes are described as “attitudes we ought to be” if we want to have that future kingdom of heaven. This, however, is a misunderstanding of what is being communicated by these opening words to that sermon Jesus preached on a hillside long ago. 

These are not things we strive for, or a list of categories to see how we fit into the list. These are the characteristics of all who are followers of Christ. In realizing our sinfulness, we are poor in spirit. Seeing the reality of sin and evil, we mourn. Understanding our sin makes us realize our lowliness. By the Holy Spirit that realization works in us a hunger for Christ’s Righteousness. Christ says, “You are blessed for yours is the kingdom of heaven.” Remember that His kingdom is not simply a thing, a place, or something in the future. It is also the present reign of God in your life now and for eternity.

Prayer:

Jesus,
          You have called us into Your kingdom. Grant that our lives may demonstrate Your gracious work through humility, mercy, peacemaking, and hungering for Your righteousness. Amen.