Polite Disagreement? Matthew 21:23-32 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel 23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them, “I will …

ENVIOUS OF GENEROSITY Matthew 20:1-16 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3When he went out about nine o’clock, he …

God’s Infinite Mercy Is Our Justice Matthew 18:21-35 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Mark A Marius  21Peter came and said to [Jesus], “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23“For …

Christ, Better than Nextdoor Matthew 18:15-20 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matt Metevelis 15If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16But if you are not listened to, take one or two …

Deceived No More Matthew 16:21-28 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took …

Identified with Jesus   Matthew 16:13-20 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Jonas Ellison 13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He …

Gone to the Dogs   Matthew 15:21-28 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 21Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23But …

Sinking in Fear, Uplifted by Faith   Matthew 14:22-33 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Brad Haugen 22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, …

Divine Administration   Matthew 14:13-21 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, 2023 Analysis by Chris Repp   13Now when Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist], he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he …

APPRAISING THE TREASURE   Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce K Modahl   31He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of …

AND ON GOD’S FARM THERE ARE SOME WEEDS . . .   Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner   24 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field;  25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and …

Fourth Soil   Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell   1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things …

REST FOR THE SOUL   Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Ben Williams   [Jesus spoke to the crowd saying:] 16“To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,  17‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;   we wailed, and you …

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us   Matthew 10:40-42 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew DeLoera   40 Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person …

Merciful Love in a Time of Conflict   Matthew 10:24-39 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost  Analysis by James Squire   24“A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the …

Land of Confusion   Matthew 9:35–10:8 Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel   35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were …

We Use Requirements, Jesus Uses Mercy   Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer   9As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10And as he sat at dinner in the house, …

Community Theater: God (in Three Acts) Sends Us Forth   Matthew 28: 16-20 Holy Trinity Sunday Analysis by Mark A. Marius   16Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority …

The Unraveling   Acts 2: 1-21 Pentecost Sunday Analysis by Matt Metevelis   When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among …

A Story of Transformation   Acts 1:6-14 The Seventh Sunday of Easter Analysis by Glenn L. Monson   6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set …

God’s Right Hand   Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53 Ascension of Our Lord Analysis by Lori A. Cornell   44[Jesus said to the eleven and those with them,] “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be …

The Great Reversal   Acts 7:55-60 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Steven E. Albertin   55But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56Look, he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right …

More Than Enough   Acts 2:42-47 Fourth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Brad Haugen 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would …

“What Does This Mean?” An Easter Catechism Lesson   Acts 2:14a, 36-42 Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Chris Repp   14aPeter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them. 36Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now …

EASTER AFTERMATH   Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Second Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl   14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 22 You that are Israelites, listen to …

Jesus, the Gardener   John 20:1-18 Easter Vigil / Easter Analysis by Lori A. Cornell   1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, …

COMPANIONS IN THE DARKNESS   Psalm 22 Good Friday Analysis by Fred Niedner 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. …

Purchased   1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Maundy Thursday Analysis by Nathan C. Hall   23For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my …

COACHING WITH UNDERSTANDING   Philippians 2:5-11 Palm Sunday Analysis by Ben Williams   5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,  6who, though he was in the form of God,   did not regard equality with God   as something to be exploited,  7but emptied himself,   taking the form of a slave,   being born in …

FROM FRACTURED TO FORGED AND FUSED Ezekiel 37:1-14 Fifth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 1The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2He led me all round them; there were very many lying in …

Pride Becomes Blindness, Blindness Becomes Servanthood John 9:1-41 Fourth Sunday in Lent Analysis by James Squire 1As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind …

Follow the Leader? Exodus 17:1-7 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Peter Keyel 1From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” …

Home is where God CALLS You Genesis 12:1-4a Second Sunday in Lent Analysis by Mark A Marius 1The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your …

Ooh, That Looks Tempting! Matthew 4:1-11 First Sunday in Lent Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these …

Shine Down, Rise Up Matthew 17:1-9 Transfiguration of Our Lord Analysis by Matt Metevelis Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John 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 bright as light. …

A Story of the Heart Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 15 “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16 If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the LORD your God, walking in his ways, …

Turning Us Inside-Out Isaiah 58:1-9a, (9b-12) Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Jonas Ellison 1Shout out, do not hold back!   Lift up your voice like a trumpet!  Announce to my people their rebellion,   to the house of Jacob their sins.  2Yet day after day they seek me   and delight to know my ways,  as if they …

On Trial Micah 6:1-8 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 1Hear what the LORD says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. 2Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the LORD, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and …

Fishing with Jesus Matthew 4:12-23 Third Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Brad Haugen 12Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be …

God’s Archery Isaiah 42:1-7 Second Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Chris Repp 1 Listen to me, O coastlands; pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born; while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. 2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his …

From Trashcan to Trash Collector Isaiah 42:1-9 The Baptism of Jesus Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 1Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard …

WHAT’S IN A NAME Luke 2:15-21 The Name of Jesus Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with …

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS, PEACE WITHOUT END Isaiah 9:2-7 Christmas Eve/Day Analysis by Fred Niedner 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with …

The Weakness of a Child Isaiah 7:10-16 Fourth Sunday in Advent Analysis by Nathan C. Hall 10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the …

ISAIAH AND THE WORLD CUP Isaiah 35:1-10 Third Sunday of Advent Analysis by Ben Williams 1The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,  the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly,  and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,  the majesty of Carmel and …

THE PEACEABLE KINGDOM, IN PIECES Isaiah 11:1-10 Second Sunday of Advent Analysis by Matthew DeLoera  1       A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2      The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit …

IN CASE OF RAPTURE, PLANT A TREE Matthew 24:36-44 First Sunday of Advent Analysis by Lori A. Cornell  [Jesus said to the disciples,] 36 “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming …

The Ironic Superman Luke 23:33-43 Reign of Christ Sunday Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ 34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”]] …

Where the Law Holds No Sway Luke 20:27-38 Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matt Metevelis Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the …

In Memory of the Saints Luke 6:20-31 All Saints Sunday Analysis by Ben Williams 20Then [Jesus] looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will …

When Jesus Is Wrong? Luke 19:1-10 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was …

A Pharisee, Jesus, and a Tax Collector Walk into a Bar Luke 18:9-14 20th Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and …

Jesus Does Faith for Us Luke 18:1-8 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by James Squire 1Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3In that city there was a …

Curing Our Sin Disease Luke 17:11-19 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp 11On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten men with a skin disease approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” …

Freed from Ourselves Luke 17:5-10 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Jonas Ellison 5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7Who among you …

Jesus Prizes Us Luke 16:19-31 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer [14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. 15 So Jesus said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings …

Cheating Death Luke 16:1-13 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 1Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. 2So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? …

Irony is Not Lost with God Luke 15:1-10 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Mark A. Marius 1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3So Jesus told them this parable: 4“Which man …

Terms of Peace Luke 14:25-33 (Philemon 1-21) Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner 25 Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, 26 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. …

Preferred Seating Luke 14: 1, 7-14 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl 1On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. … 7When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told …

The Sabbath Given, Embodied, and Shared Luke 13: 10-17 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew M. DeLoera 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable …

Refocused on the Family Luke 12:49-56 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Nathan C. Hall 49 “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think that …

Conspiring with the Holy Thief Luke 12:32-40 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell [Jesus said:] 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where …

Seeing God in Christ and Our Neighbor Colossians 3:1-11 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Brad Haugen 1So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3for …

Lord, Teach Us to Pray Luke 11:1-13 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 1[Jesus] was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”2He said to them, “When you pray, say:  Father, hallowed be your name. …

Your Credentials, Please Colossians 1:15-28 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers – all things have been created through …

The New Neighborhood Luke 10:25-37 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew Metevelis 25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the …

Beyond Preferences and Routines Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Ben Williams 1After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask …

The Kingdom of God is Forever Luke 9:51-62 Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Kevel 51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to prepare for his …

Power that Kills and Power that Makes Alive Galatians 3:23-29 Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 23 Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be reckoned as righteous by faith. …

The Trinity Conspires to Justify Sinners Romans 5:1-5 Holy Trinity Sunday Analysis by James Squire 1Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. …

Getting Un-clumped Genesis 11:1-9 Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp 1Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” …

Unfettered Freedom Acts 16: 16-34 Seventh Sunday of Easter Analysis by Jonas Ellison 16One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. 17While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men …

HELP! I NEED SOMEBODY! Acts 16: 9-15 Sixth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 9During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that …

GOD CLEANS UP OUR PROFANITY Acts 11: 1-18 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Mark A Marius 1Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised …

New Garments Acts 9: 36-43 Fourth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Fred Niedner 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity.  37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her …

THE WAY Acts 9: 1-6 [7-20] Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 1Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, …

Obeying God, or Obeying Ourselves? Acts 5:27-32 Second Sunday of Easter Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 27 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you …

Impartial, Not Indiscriminate, Love Acts 10:34-43 Easter Sunday/Resurrection of Our Lord Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 34Peter began to speak to [the people]: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people …

Celebrating God’s Love for All Romans 6:3-11 Easter Vigil Analysis by Brad Haugen 3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory …

Between Doubt and Faith Psalm 22 Good Friday Analysis by Stephen E. Albertin  1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?  2O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;  and by night, but find no rest.  3Yet you …

The Radiant Glow of Compassion John 13:1-17, 31-35 Maundy Thursday Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 1 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil …

A Plundered God Philippians 2:5-11 Palm Sunday Analysis by Matthew Metevelis  5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,  6who, though he was in the form of God,  did not regard equality with God  as something to be exploited,  7but emptied himself,  taking the form of a slave,  being born in human likeness. …

Assuming Intentions John 12:1-8 Fifth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Ben Williams 1Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3Mary took a pound of …

A Ministry of Reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Fourth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Peter Kevel 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has; 19 that is, in Christ …

Merits versus Mercy Luke 13:1-9 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 1 At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than …

Jesus: Antidote for the Poison of Sin Luke 13:31-35 Second Sunday in Lent Analysis by James Squire 31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and …

Saved from the Time of Trial Luke 4:1-13 First Sunday in Lent Analysis by Chris Repp 1“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they …

No Performance Required Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Ash Wednesday Analysis by Jonas Ellison 1″Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2″So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and …

Listen to the Sound of Mercy Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) Transfiguration of Our Lord Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 28Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling …

Measuring Up Your Enemies by Love   Luke 6:27-38 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Mark A. Marius [Jesus said:] 27“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the …

Plain Talk About “Happiness” Luke 6:17-26 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Fred Niedner 17 [Jesus] came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon.  18 They had come to hear him …

More Than a Fish Story Luke 5:1-11 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl 1Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of …

UNEXPECTED GIVING Luke 4:21-30 Fourth Sunday After Epiphany Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 23 He said …

The Failed Hero Who Saves Luke 4:14–21 (NRSV) Third Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Nathan Hall 14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. 16 When he …

More Than Wine John 2:1-11 Second Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 1On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They …

God’s Beloved Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Baptism of Our Lord Analysis by Brad Haugen       15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than …

Author’s Note: Today’s Gospel is that “other” version of the Christmas story with which so many people are unfamiliar: the Prologue of the Gospel of John. Unlike the homely and down-to-earth accounts of the Nativity that are in Luke and Matthew, John quotes an early Christian hymn that portrays the wonder of the Nativity in the language …

MARY, DID YOU KNOW? Luke 2:41-52 First Sunday of Christmas Analysis by Joseph Justus van der Sabb 41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43When the festival was ended and they started to return, …

From Old News to Good News Luke 2:8-20 Christmas Day Analysis by Matt Metevelis   8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel …

From the Editor: Please welcome a new writer to our fold: the Rev. Ben Williams. Ben was my Intern Pastor in a previous call, and has done me proud with this submission. Merry Christmas Eve, in advance. Lori Registered Belonging Luke 2:1-20 Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Eve Analysis by Ben Williams  1In those days a decree …

God’s Ambitions Are Greater than Ours Luke 1:39-45 [46-55] Fourth Sunday after Advent Analysis by Peter Keyel 39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in …

Fiery Good News Luke 3:7-18 Third Sunday of Advent Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 7 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have …

Jesus, the Smooth, Level, Eternal Road for Sinners Luke 3:1-6 Second Sunday of Advent Analysis by James Squire 3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of …

Reading the Signs Luke 21:25-36 First Sunday of Advent Analysis by Chris Repp [Jesus said:] 25“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the …

KING-SIZE PROBLEMS, KINGLY SOLUTIONS John 18:31-38 Christ the King Sunday Analysis by Mark A. Marius 33Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? …

GOD’S GRAND DESIGN Mark 13:1-8 Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 1As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all …

NOT NEGLECTED, BUT RAISED UP John 11:32-44 All Saints Sunday Analysis by Matthew M. DeLoera 32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came …

Christ Cuts Out the Middlemen Jeremiah 31:31-34 Reformation Sunday Analysis by James Squire 31The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the …

Blind Bartimaeus Three Ways Mark 10:46-52 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Ed Schoder, Bruce T Martin, Michael Hoy Dear Readers: Here is a chance to go back and revisit several of our previous Text Study writers, including one by our online founder Ed Schroeder. A veritable feast of writings about Blind Bartimaeus and us being seen …

A Glory That Serves Mark 10:35–45 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Nathan Hall 35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do …

THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE Mark 10:17-31 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 17As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No …

Bringing up the Past Mark 10:2-16 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 2 Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce …

BOUND FOR GEHENNA, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER Mark 9:38-50 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner 38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does …

Rank No More Mark 9:30-37 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 30They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; 31for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, …

God Returns Our Shame with Mercy Mark 8:27-38 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B Analysis by Peter Keyel 27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; …

God of the Crumbs Mark 7:24-37 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew Metevelis 24[Jesus] set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice,25but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about …

God Has the Dirt on Us Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Glenn L. Monson Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. 3 (For the …

You Are What You Eat John 6:56-69 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell [Jesus said,] 56“Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. …

Don’t Starve John 6:51-58 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 52The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man …

Jesus Breaks Our Diet to Feed Us Living Bread John 6:35, 41-51 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Mark A Marius 35Jesus said to [the crowd,] “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 41Then the Jews began to complain about him …

THE CONSUMER SOCIETY John 6:24-35 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 6:25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, …

NO LONGER SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS, BUT CHILDREN OF GOD John 6:1-21 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew M. DeLoera 1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the …

For a Desperate World, Shepherds Are on the Way Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by James Squire 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming …

God’s Undying Loyalty Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Mark 6:14-29 Analysis by Brad Haugen 14King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” 15But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It …

Pursued by the Word Mark 6:1-13 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Nathan C. Hall He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What …

HOLY INTERRUPTIONS Mark 5:21-43 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 21When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. 22Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet …

Bon Voyage! Mark 4:35-41 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A …

Growing Secrets Mark 4:26-34 Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner 26 He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, 27 and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28 The earth produces of itself, …

United for a Better Life Mark 3:20-25 Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 20And the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. 21When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” 22And the scribes who came down from …

Healing Hands John 3: 1 -17 Trinity Sunday Analysis by Matt Metevelis Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do …

Guided into Truth John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 The Day of Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel 15:26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. 27 You also are to testify because you have been with me from the …

A Shut and Open Case Luke 24:44-53 Ascension of Our Lord Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he …

Hatred Defeated by Jesus’ Love John 15:9-17 Sixth Sunday after Easter Analysis by James Squire 9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11I have said …

Vine from the Ashes John 15:1-8 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Chris Repp “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that …

I AM the Good Shepherd—but Who Are We? JOHN 10:11-18 Fourth Sunday after Easter Analysis by Mark A. Marius Jesus said:] 11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the …

PRESENCE MATTERS Luke 24:36b-48 Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 36bJesus himself stood among [the disciples] and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Look …

NO LONGER ISOLATED, BUT TOGETHER AS THE LIVING BODY OF CHRIST John 20:19-31 Second Sunday of Easter Analysis by Matthew M. DeLoera 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and …

God Undressed John 13:1-35 Maundy Thursday Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 1Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2The devil had already put it into …

An Unremarkable Excursion with a Remarkable Finale Mark 11:1-11 Palm Sunday Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 1 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find …

Lift High the Loss John 12:20-33 Fifth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Matt Metevelis Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip …

SIGNS OF LIFE . . . ETERNAL John 3:14-21 Fourth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Fred Niedner 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he …

THE MARKETPLACE HAS BEEN REPLACED John 2:13-22 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 13The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them …

Failed Messiah FTW Mark 8:31-38 Second Sunday in Lent Analysis by Peter Keyel 31 Then [Jesus] began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. …

The Zones We Inhabit Mark 1:9-15 First Sunday in Lent Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a …

SPIRITUAL UPKEEP Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Ash Wednesday Analysis by Lori A. Cornell [Jesus said to the disciples:] 1“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.   2“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the …

The Ups and Downs of Discipleship Mark 9:2-9 Transfiguration Sunday Analysis by Chris Repp 2Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. …

The Night Light Cures All Mark 1:29-39 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Mark A Marius 29As soon as Jesus and the disciples left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31Jesus came …

Jesus Calls and Connects Us Mark 1:14-20 Third Sunday of Epiphany Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16 As Jesus passed …

Jesus Transforms Our Scrutiny John 1:43-51 Second Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by James Squire 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom …

God’s Gift of Baptism Baptism of Our Lord Mark 1:4-11 Analysis by Brad Haugen 4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river …

SEARCH AND RESCUE John 1:10-18 Second Sunday of Christmas Analysis by Nathan Hall He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who …

The Time Has Come! First Sunday After Christmas Luke 2:22-40 Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as …

God’s Special Agent John 1:1-14 Christmas Day Analysis by Cathy Lessmann In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in …

The Camel Outside Our Palace Luke 2:1-20 Christmas Eve, Year B Analysis by Matt Metevelis In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. …

SEIZED BY THE LORD WHO IS “WITH YOU” Luke 1:26-38 Fourth Sunday of Advent Analysis by Fred Niedner Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The …

IS THERE ANYTHING NEW TO BE SAID? John 1:6-8, 19-28 Third Sunday in Advent Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify …

United by Our Failures Mark 1: 1-8 Second Sunday of Advent 2, Year B Analysis by Peter Keyel 1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the …

A Threat or a Promise? Mark 13:24-37 First Sunday of Advent Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 24 “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then …

Holy Amnesia Matthew 25:31-46 Christ the King Sunday Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a …

Being a Theologian of the Cross* Matthew 25:14-20 Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp [Jesus said to the disciples:] 14“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to …

Awakened to Shine Matthew 25:1-13 23rd Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Brad Haugen 1Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4but the wise …

Being Made Sufficient Matthew 23:1–12 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost (All Saints Day) Analysis by Nathan Hall 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not …

Forgive and Forget? Jeremiah 31:31-34 Reformation Sunday Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 31The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand …

BELONGING TO THE GOD OF THE LIVING Matthew 22:23-46 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner 23 The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying there is no resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, 24 “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow, and raise up children …

TRICKS, TRAPS, TAXES AND TESTS Matthew 22:15-22 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bill White Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, …

Lucifer, We Need to Talk Matthew 22:1-14 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Cathy Lessmann Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the …

WHEN PAYBACK BECOMES MERCY Matthew 21:33-46 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 33“Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. 34When the harvest time had …

Trusting Whose Truth? Matthew 21:23-32 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel 23 When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them, “I …

Getting What You Don’t Deserve Matthew 20:1-16 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Glenn L. Monson “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage,, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When …

Patience? How about Forgiveness and Release Instead! Matthew 18:21-35 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by James Squire 18Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you …

BOUND TO GOD’S PROMISES Matthew 18:15-20 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 15If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16But if you are not listened to, …

OUR UNDENIABLE MESSIAH Matthew 16:21-28 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 21 From that time on, [after Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah,] Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and …

Freed to Build the Beloved Community Matthew 16:13-20 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one …

Getting to the Heart of Things Matthew 15: [10-20] 21-28 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp [Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: 11it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” 12Then the …

The Lord over Our Fears Matthew 14:22-33 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Brad Haugen 22[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When …

Hope Is Our Food Matthew 14:13–21 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Nathan Hall 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; …

It Doesn’t Look Like Much Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 31He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest …

Are You There, God, It’s Me Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 24 [Jesus] put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then …

THE PRODIGAL SOWER’S UNLIKELY HARVEST Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner 1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he …

JESUS’ GRACE IS FOR OUR CREDIT Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 16“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, 17‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ 18For …

Chasing Welcome Rewards Matthew 10:40-42 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel [Jesus speaks] 40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of …

Bad Peace and Good Strife (The Sayings We Live By) Matthew 10:24-39 Third Sunday of Pentecost Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 24 “A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25 it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called …

Healing the World Second Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 9:35-10:8 Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 9:35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were …

Tribalism Reborn as Ministry Matthew 28:16-20 Holy Trinity Sunday Analysis by James Squire 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given …

The Holy Spirit Speaks Truth into Our World Acts 2:1-21 The Day of Pentecost Analysis by Mark A. Marius 1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were …

Let God Rise Up Psalms 68:1-10, 32-35 Seventh Sunday of Easter Analysis by Marcus Felde Psalm 68 To the leader. Of David. A Psalm. A Song. Let God rise up, let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him. 2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before …

CAUGHT AND RELEASED Sixth Sunday of Easter Psalm 66:8-20 Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 8Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard, 9who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip. 10For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. 11You …

PRAYER AND PRAISE Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl 1In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2Incline your ear to me; make haste to de- liver me. 3Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for …

Life Wins John 10:1-10 Fourth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Chris Repp 1‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate …

“O LORD, I PRAY, SAVE MY LIFE” Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 1I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. 2Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 3The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs …

The LORD of History Psalm 16 The Second Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 16:1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” 3As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom …

God Remains Faithful Psalm 118:1-2, [5-13], 14-24, [25-29] Easter Vigil Analysis by Nathan Hall 1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  his steadfast love endures forever!  2 Let Israel say,  “His steadfast love endures forever.”  3 Let the house of Aaron say,  “His steadfast love endures forever.”  4 Let those who fear the …

Let Me Drink That for You Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 Maundy Thursday Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 116:1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 12 What shall I return to the LORD for …

Taking Hold of Jesus in the Face of Death Matthew 28:1-10 Easter Sunday / Day of the Resurrection Analysis by Brad Haugen 1After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the …

Between Doubt and Faith Psalm 22 Good Friday Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? 2O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. 3Yet you …

I REST MY LIFE IN YOUR HANDS, O GOD; BUT FIRST, HEAR MY LAMENT! Psalm 31:9-16 Palm Sunday Analysis by Fred Niedner 9 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with …

TAKEN OUT OF THE DEPTHS Psalm 130 Fifth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. 2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! 3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with you, …

Walking the Darkest Valley Psalm 23 Fourth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Peter Keyel 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though …

Massah to Messiah Psalm 95 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 1 O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 …

Our Hill to Die On, Our Help Eternal Psalm 121 Second Sunday of Lent Analysis by James Squire 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps …

Delivered from Myself Psalm 32 A MaskilOf David First Sunday in Lent Analysis by Chris Repp 1Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all …

SINCE WE CAN’T SKIRT THE DIRT, GOD IMPARTS A NEW HEART Psalm 51:1-17 Ash Wednesday Analysis by Mark A. Marius 1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3For I know my transgressions, …

Overwhelmed to Supercharged Matthew 17:1-9 Transfiguration Analysis by Marcus Felde Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared …

Ten Words of Promise Matthew 5:21-37 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Paul Jaster 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will …

THE EXCEEDING RIGHTEOUSNESS Matthew 5:13-20 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Bruce K Modahl [Jesus said:] 13“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.   14“You are the light …

BLESSED BY THE CURSED ONE Matthew 5:1-12 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 1When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:   3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the …

FAME, FORTUNE, AND FISHES Matthew 4:12-23 Third Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 12Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah …

REFOCUSING THE SPOTLIGHT John 1:29-42 Second Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by James Squire 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me …

God’s Decision in Baptism Matthew 3:13-17 Baptism of Our Lord Analysis by Brad Haugen 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it …

SEARCH AND RESCUE John 1:10-18 Second Sunday of Christmas Analysis by Nathan Hall He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who …

CHRISTMAS TEARS Matthew 2:13-23 First Sunday of Christmas 1A Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 13 Now after [the wise men] had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is …

Messages Break and Make Us Luke 2:8-20 Christmas Day Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 2:8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the …

OFF THE CHARTS Luke 2:1-14 Christmas Eve Analysis by Fred Niedner 1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also …

Does This Act Make Me Look Righteous? Matthew 1:18-25 Fourth Sunday of Advent Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her …

Amiss But Not Lost Matthew 3:1-12 Second Sunday in Advent Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 3 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”[a] 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one …

IN CASE OF RAPTURE, PLANT A TREE Matthew 24:36-44 First Sunday of Advent Analysis by Lori A. Cornell  [Jesus said to the disciples,] 36 “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming …

Full of Loaf or Full of Life? (Jesus asking) John 6:25-35 Thanksgiving Analysis by Marcus Felde 25 When [the disciples] found [Jesus] on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw …

CROSS PURPOSES Luke 23:33-43 Christ the King Sunday Analysis by Mark A. Marius 33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 ⟦Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”⟧ …

SHIP OF THE CROSS, SHIP OF STATE Luke 21:5-19 Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost Analysis by James Squire 5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will …

BOUND Luke 20:27-38 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl 27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to [Jesus] 28 and asked him a question, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up …

Blessing over Woe Luke 6:20-31 All Saints Sunday Analysis by Brad Haugen 20 Then [Jesus] looked up at his disciples and said:  “Blessed are you who are poor,   for yours is the kingdom of God.  21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now,   for you will be filled.  “Blessed are you who weep now,   for you will …

WHO REALLY BENEFITS HERE? John 8:31-36 Reformation Sunday Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are descendants of …

Persistent Hope Luke 18:1-8 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow …

CLEAN, HEALED, WHOLE Luke 17:11-19 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner 11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw …

SEEKERS AND SERVANTS Luke 17:5-10 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a[a] mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. …

I Watched Satan Fall Luke 10:17-20 & Revelation 12:7-12 Saint Michael and All Angels Analysis by Paul Jaster 17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 See, I have given you …

Served by One Master Luke 16:1-13 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. 2 So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear …

I FOUND IT! Luke 15:1-10 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “Which one of …

A LINE IN THE SAND Luke 14:25-33 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Marcus Felde Now large crowds were traveling with [Jesus]; and he turned and said to them, 26 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27 …

SIT, SEAT, SATE Luke 14:1, 7-14 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Mark A. Marius 1 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. 7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he …

THE UNEXPECTED RESCUE Luke 13:10-17 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. 12 …

SIGN OF THE TIMES Luke 12:49-56 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 49 I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think that …

FREEDOM LEADS TO LIFE Luke 12:32–40 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Nathan Hall 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief …

OUT OF HOCK, TAKING STOCK Luke 12:13-21 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 13 Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus,] “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said …

OUR FATHER, WHOM WE BUG AT MIDNIGHT Luke 11:1-13 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed …

GETTING YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT Luke 10:38-42 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven Albertin 38 Now as [Jesus and his disciples] went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what …

Living in God’s Mercy Luke 10:25-37 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Brad Haugen 25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love …

LORD OF THE HARVEST Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 10:1. After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of them in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers …

Following the Promise Luke 9:51-62 Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53 …

Declare What God Has Done Luke 8:26-39 Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Paul Jaster 26 Then [Jesus and his disciples] arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 As [Jesus] stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no …

THE WHOLE TRUTH John 16:12-15 Holy Trinity Sunday Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he …

UNFINISHED BUSINESS John 14:8-17 [25-27] The Day of Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. …

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN John 17:20-26 Seventh Sunday of Easter Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 20 “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they …

JUDAS: ISCARIOT, OR NOT ISCARIOT John 14:23-29 Sixth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Marcus Felde Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the …

LOST WITHOUT LOVE John 13:31-35 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Mark A. Marius 31 When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in God’s own self and will glorify …

FLOCKS & BOXES John 10:22-30 Fourth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Eric W. Evers 22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will …

GRACE IN ORDINARY TIME John 21:1-19 Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 1 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2 Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of …

Where God Shows Up John 20:19-31 Second Sunday after Easter Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be …

FAITH RISING Luke 24:1-12 Resurrection of Our Lord Analysis by Nathan Hall 1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women who had come with him (presumably Jesus, not Joseph of Arimathea) from Galilee] came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away …

Out of the Box John 20:1-18 Easter Vigil Analysis by Chris Repp Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one …

WHO’S IN CHARGE? John 18:1-19:42 Good Friday Analysis by Steven Albertin Author’s Note: The Johannine Passion account of Good Friday is filled with many characters: Judas, Peter, Annas, Caiaphas, Barabbas, the Jews, the soldiers, Mary and “the disciple whom he loved.” However, at the center of this cast of characters is Pontius Pilate, and his interaction with …

A HOLY, DISORDERED HENKERSMAHLZEIT John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Maundy Thursday Analysis by Fred Niedner 1 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had …

Christ’s (Com)Passion for Liars and Criminals Luke 23:1-49 Sunday of the Passion Analysis by Brad Haugen Jesus before Pilate 23 Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus[a] before Pilate. 2 They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that …

The Economics of Grace John 12:1-8 Fifth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 …

GOD’S RICHES AT CHRIST’S EXPENSE Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Fourth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Paul Jaster 1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: …

FRUITFUL TREES Luke 13:1-9 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Peter Keyel 1 At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other …

WE KNOCKED THE JAR OVER Luke 13:31-35 Second Sunday in Lent Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing …

Jesus. Not Like Us. For Us. Luke 4:1-13 First Sunday in Lent Analysis by Marcus Felde 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when …

The pious play saved by a passionate act Matthew 6:1-6,16-21 Ash Wednesday Analysis by Mark A Marius [Jesus said:] 1 “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before …

A Mercifully Cloudy Forecast Luke 9:28-36 Sunday of the Transfiguration Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus[a] took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling …

ECONOMIES AND GENEROSITIES Luke 6:27-38 Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 27 But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; …

THE GREAT LEVELER Luke 6:17-26 Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by James Squire 17 He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him …

Two Ways to Catch Fish/People Luke 5:1-11 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Cathy Lessmann Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2 he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fisherman had gone out …

GRACE AS A GIFT OF THE GIVER Luke 4:21–30 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Nathan Hall 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not …

ANOINTED TO BRING GOOD NEWS Luke 4:14-21 Third Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Fred Niedner 14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised (doxazo) by everyone. 16 When he came …

Thanks to one of our veteran writers and colleagues in the Crossings method, the Rev. Dr. Steve Kuhl, for contributing this piece a few years back: THE INTERSECTION OF TWO FEASTS John 2:1-11 Second Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Steven Kuhl 1 On the third day there was a c, and the mother of Jesus was …

SOWING, THRESHING, AND SWEEPING Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Baptism of Our Lord Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful …

More Powerful Than Power A new text study for The Baptism of Our Lord will be available soon. For now, enjoy this wonderful study provided for Year C by our own Ron Neustadt. Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Baptism of our Lord Analysis by Ron C. Neustadt 15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning …

THE HEART ALWAYS HAS A KING The Epiphany of Our Lord Matthew 2:1-12 Analysis by Timothy Hoyer In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star …

Why Can’t Jesus Behave? Luke 2:41-52 First Sunday of Christmas Analysis by Peter Keyel 41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the …

WHO IS HE? WHO ARE WE? John 1:1-14 Christmas Day Analysis by Paul Jaster 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. …

GOD INCARNATE FOR THOSE WHO NEED A HOME Christmas Eve Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be …

WHAT MADE THE VIRGIN MARY THE BVM Luke 1:39-55 (including the “Magnificat”) Fourth Sunday of Advent Analysis by Marcus Felde 39In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in …

COMING FULL CIRCLE Luke 3:7-18 Third Sunday of Advent Analysis by Mark A. Marius 7John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as …

A WAY WHERE THERE IS NO WAY Luke 3:1-6 Second Sunday of Advent Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler …

THE END IS WHERE WE START FROM Luke 21:25-36 First Sunday in Advent Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 25There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is …

FROM WORRY TO THANKSGIVING Matthew 6:25-33 Thanksgiving Day Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl  25″Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of …

Longing to Belong John 18:33-37 Christ the King Sunday Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters[a] again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a …

THE MERCIFUL APOCALYPSE Mark 13:1-8 Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Ed Schroeder Dear Crossings Readers: Here is a wonderful blast from the past, from our own Crossings Co-Founder and -Father, Ed Schroeder. Enjoy his ever-relevant analysis. Lori A. Cornell, Series Editor Sabbatarians, Mark’s apocalypse is the linchpin between Jesus’ final confrontation with the people of the …

THE WIDOW, THE ORPHAN, AND THE RESCUED PREACHER Mark 12:38-44 Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Jerome Burce 38 As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places …

IN GOD’S GRIP John 11:32-44 All Saints Sunday Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 32When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, …

Changing the Narrative John 8:31 – 36 Reformation Sunday Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 31Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and …

Asking for Death, Getting Life Mark 10:34-45 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’36And he said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ …

HEIRS OF ETERNAL LIFE Mark 10:17-31 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner 17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is …

IN THE ARMS OF JESUS Mark 10:2-16 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steve Albertin 2 Some Pharisees came, and to test [Jesus] they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and …

BE AT PEACE Mark 9:38-50 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Paul Jaster 38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in …

Service in Place of Greatness Mark 9:30-37 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Gospel, Year B Analysis by Peter Keyel 30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and …

WHAT WE TRY TO KEEP, WE LOSE; WHAT WE GIVE TO JESUS, WE SAVE Mark 8:27-38 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 27Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28And they answered him, “John the Baptist; …

HE CAME NOT TO ASTONISH BUT TO FEED Mark 7:24-37 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Marcus Felde Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean …

RULES NEED TO BE BROKEN Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Analysis by Mark Marius Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, 2they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. 3(For the Pharisees, and all the Jewish …

OFFENSIVE LOVE John 6:56-69 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the …

JESUS IS THE BREAD OF LIFE John 6:51-58 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl [Jesus said,] 51“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”   52The Jews then disputed …

THE BREAD THAT SATISFIES John 6:35, 41-51 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Nathan Hall 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. … 41 Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am …

THE WORK OF GOD John 6:24-35 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Michael Hoy 24So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did …

THE WORK OF GOD John 6:24-35 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Michael Hoy 24So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did …

A BETTER EXODUS John 6:1-21 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. 3Jesus went up the mountain and sat down …

RESTLESS IN THE WILDERNESS Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had …

BACK TO THE FUTURE Mark 6:14-29 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 14King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” 15But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, …

LOVE LEAVES AN IMPRESSION Mark 6:1-13 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 1He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this …

THE SECRET TRUTH OF JESUS’ ABSENCE Mark 5:21-43 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce T. Martin Mark 5:21 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. 22Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came, and when he saw …

STILLING A STORM Mark 4:35-41 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A …

FARMER GOD Mark 4:26-34 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Paul Jaster [Jesus] also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, 27 and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28 The earth produces of itself, first the …

A NATION DIVIDED Mark 3:20-35 Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel The crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat. 21 When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” 22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, …

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN Mark 2:23—3:6 Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 23One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?”25And he said to them, “Have …

THAT WIND: THE CHOOSING, THE BLOWING, THE SOUND John 3:1-17 The Holy Trinity Analysis by Marcus Felde 1Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these …

IN NEED OF AN ADVOCATE John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15 The Day of Pentecost Analysis by Mark Marius [Jesus said,] 26“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. 27You also are to testify because you have been with me from …

WORLDLY BEGINNINGS, HEAVENLY BELONGING John 17:6-19 Seventh Sunday of Easter Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 6 “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from …

THIS OLD HOUSE John 15:9-17 Sixth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bruce K Modahl [Jesus said:] 9“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11I have said …

RECONNECTED John 15:1-8 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Nathan Hall “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have …

BY THE BOOK Luke 24:36a-48 Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Chris Repp Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Look at my …

PROFILE OF A BELIEVER John 20:19-31 Second Sunday of Easter Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” …

WHERE IS THIS JESUS, WHOM YOU DECLARE RISEN? Mark 16:1-8 Resurrection of our Lord Analysis by Fred Niedner When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had …

AGENDAS REVEALED AND REPLACED (THE PHARISEES ARE NEARER THAN WE REALIZE) John 18:1—19:42 Good Friday Analysis by Matthew DeLoera DIAGNOSIS: The Agenda of Death Step 1: Initial Diagnosis (External Problem): Everyone Has an Agenda but Us We have a lot to argue about these days. Gun control. Prayer in schools. Immigration. Sexuality. Social programs. The list is endless. …

WASHED, FED, AND LED John 13:1-17, 31b Maundy Thursday Analysis by Paul Jaster 1 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already …

LITTLE THINGS Mark 14:1—15:47 (focus on Mark 14:27-42) Palm Sunday/The Passion of the Our Lord Analysis by Peter Keyel 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to …

YOU WILL SEE HIM WHEN HE IS ON A CROSS John 12:20-33 The Fifth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 20Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22Philip went and …

WHEN CHRIST IS SAID AND DONE John 3:14-21 Fourth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Marcus Felde “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” 16For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so …

THE MARKET CRASHES, CHRIST SERVES AS COLLATERAL John 2:13-22 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Mark Marius 13The Passover of the Jewish people was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all …

LOST AND FOUND IN LOVE Mark 8:31-38 Second Sunday in Lent Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite …

A NEW ADAM Mark 1:9-15 First Sunday in Lent Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl 9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And …

REWARDING PIETY Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Ash Wednesday Analysis by Chris Repp 1 “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and …

WONDERFULLY TRANSFORMED Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration of Our Lord Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 2Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4And there …

STAYING ON MESSAGE Mark 1:29-39 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 1 29As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31He came and took her by the …

MAKING UNCLEAN SPIRITS SHUT UP Mark 1:21-28 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Fred Niedner 21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was in …

NOW IS THE TIME Mark 1:14-20 Third Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16As Jesus passed along the Sea …

NOW IS THE TIME Mark 1:14-20 Third Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16As Jesus passed along the Sea …

NO MORE WAITING John 1:43-51 Second Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses …

NO MORE WAITING John 1:43-51 Second Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses …

FROM DEAD TO ALIVE Mark 1:4-11 Baptism of Our Lord Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the …

GOD’S HEART REVEALED Luke 2:22-40 First Sunday after Christmas Analysis by Paul Jaster 22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated …

BORN OF FLESH? Christmas Day John 1:1-14 Analysis by Peter Keyel 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being …

A SAVIOR IS BORN FOR US Luke 2:1-14 Christmas Eve Analysis by Timothy J. Hoyer In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went …

WHAT SORT OF GREETING IS THAT? Luke 1:26-38 Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B Analysis by Marcus Felde In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And …

NOT AGAIN. BUT, WAIT FOR IT …WAIT FOR IT … I AM SOON John 1:6-8, 19-28 Third Sunday of Advent Analysis by Mark Marius 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, …

LIFE UNDER GOD’S SON Mark 1:1-8 Second Sunday of Advent Analysis by Glenn L. Monson 1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out …

THE PROMISING WATCH Mark 13:24-37 First Sunday of Advent Analysis by Michael Hoy 24“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26Then they will see ‘the Son of Man …

THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE Ephesians 1:15-23 Christ the King Sunday Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17I pray that the God …

EUCHARISTIC LIVING 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Thanksgiving Day Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl 6The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. …

BEWARE OF THE LURE OF THE NIGHTLIFE 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bill White Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the …

GRIEVING IN HOPE 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, …

NEW SIGHT 1 John 3:1-3 All Saints Sunday Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 1See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we …

SHUT UP! Romans 3:19-28 Reformation Sunday Analysis by Chris Repp 19Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For ‘no human being will be justified in his sight’ by deeds prescribed by …

TRULY GIVEN 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3remembering before our God …

THE PEACE OF GOD Philippians 4:1-9 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Paul Jaster 1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, …

SOMEONE IS ALWAYS BETTER Philippians 3:4b-14 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 …

MINDED BY CHRIST Philippians 2:1-13 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bill White If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do …

TO LIVE IS CHRIST Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Philippians 1:21-30 Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 1For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart …

THE INDISPENSABLE APOSTROPHE Romans 14:1-12 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Marcus Felde 1Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on …

OWED TO LOVE Romans 13:8-14 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Mark Marius 8Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up …

GENUINE LOVE Romans 12:9-21 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Glenn L. Monson Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.[a] 12 Rejoice in hope, be …

CHRIST’S SACRIFICE Romans 12:1-8 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Michael Hoy 1I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your …

PAUL’S LAMENT AND HOPE Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl 1I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the …

PROVING OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS KILLING US Romans 10:5-15 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Matthew DeLoera 5 Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” …

THE CROSS OF THEOLOGIANS—AND PREACHERS Romans 9:1-5 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Fred Niedner I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from …

INSEPARABLE LOVE Romans 8:26-39 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Paul Jaster 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, …

SUBJECTS OF HOPE Romans 8:12-25 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 12 So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, …

IN CHRIST’S SPIRIT Romans 8:1-11 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 1There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3For God has done what the law, weakened …

GETTING OVER OURSELVES Romans 7:15-25a Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp 15I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. 17But in fact it is no …

WHOM DO YOU OBEY? Romans 6:12-23 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bill White 12 Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. 13 No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to …

DYING IN SIN Romans 6:1-11 Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized …

BLESSED BOASTING Second Sunday after Pentecost Romans 5:1-8 Analysis by Steven E. Albertin Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3And not only …

DOING WHAT WE CANNOT DO 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 The Holy Trinity Analysis by Lori A. Cornell [Paul writes:] 11Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the …

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 The Day of Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 3Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the …

SUFFERING THE FIERY ORDEAL 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 Seventh Sunday of Easter Analysis by Peter Keyel 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also …

BLESSED SUFFERING 1 Peter 3:13-22 Sixth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bill White 13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your …

IT’S FAITH IN FAIRNESS OR JESUS 1 Peter 2:2-10 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 2Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and …

TRADING PLACES 1 Peter 2:19-25 Fourth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Marcus Felde It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. 20If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have …

THE SPACE BETWEEN 1 Peter 1:17-23 Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Mark Marius 17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things …

A BLESSED OUTCOME 1 Peter 1:3-9 Second Sunday of Easter Analysis by Glenn L. Monson Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, …

THE PROMISE OF THE OPEN-MINDED (OPEN-TOMB) Acts 10:34-43 The Resurrection of Our Lord Analysis by Michael Hoy 34Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people …

THE HIDDEN GLORY Colossians 3:1-4 The Resurrection of Our Lord Analysis by Michael Hoy 1So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3for you have died, and …

THE EASTER VIGIL PROCESSION Romans 6:3-11 Easter Vigil Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of …

DISCERNING THE BODY 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Maundy Thursday Analysis by Paul Jaster [Verses 17-22 address the abuses of the Lord’s Supper.] 23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, …

THE COMPETITIVE MIND AND THE MIND OF CHRIST Philippians 2:5-11 Palm Sunday Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of …

SPIRIT-DETERMINED LIFE Fifth Sunday in Lent Romans 8:6-11 Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 8:6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law–indeed …

RISE AND SHINE Ephesians 5:8-14 Fourth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Chris Repp 8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. …

STRONG IN CHRIST Romans 5:1-11 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Lori Cornell 1Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3And not only …

LIVING GRATIS Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Second Sunday of Lent Analysis by Peter Keyel 1 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, …

SURE, THERE IS BAD NEWS, BUT WAIT, I DO HAVE GOOD NEWS 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10 Ash Wednesday Analysis by Timothy Hoyer We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.21For our sake God made Christ to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Christ we might become the righteousness of God. 6As we work …

SEEING “NO ONE EXCEPT JESUS HIMSELF ALONE” (a la Matthew 17:8) 2 Peter 1:16-21 The Transfiguration of Our Lord Analysis by Marcus Felde For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor …

BUILDERS, WISDOM, AND TEMPLE: ALL BELONG TO GOD 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Mark Marius 10According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. 11For …

GROWN UP CHRISTIANS 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 1And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even …

SEEKING GOD’S WISDOM 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16] Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Michael Hoy 1When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I came to …

SPIRITUAL GIFTS 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 18For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of …

BELONGING 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Third Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Cathy A. Lessmann 10 Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same …

SAINTS TOGETHER 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Second Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Paul Jaster 1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in …

GETTING OUR “BUT” IN CHURCH ON CHRISTMAS DAY Titus 3: [3], 4-7, [8] The Nativity of Our Lord (II)/Christmas Day Analysis by Chris Repp [3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another.] 4But when the goodness and loving kindness of …

THE APPEARANCE OF GRACE Titus 2:11-14 Nativity of Our Lord/Christmas Eve Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed …

ONE Luke 2:1-20 Nativity of Our Lord/Christmas Eve Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the …

WHO AM I? Romans 1:1-7 Fourth Sunday of Advent Analysis by Peter Keyel 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the …

GRUMBLE NO MORE James 5:7-11 Third Sunday of Advent Analysis by Bill White Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming …

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN Romans 15:4-13 Second Sunday of Advent Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 4For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in …

GOOD MORNING! Romans 13:11-14 First Sunday of Advent Analysis by Marcus Felde Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside …

GOD BLESSES US BUT DO WE BLESS GOD? Psalm 100 Thanksgiving Day Analysis by Mark Marius 1Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 2Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and …

THE RIGHTEOUS SHEPHERD-KING Jeremiah 23:1-6 Christ the King Sunday Analysis by Michael Hoy 1Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. 2Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and you have driven them …

KEEP ME POSTED Malachi 4:1-2a Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28) Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 1See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. …

SINGING A NEW SONG Psalm 149 All Saints Sunday Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 1Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. 2Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. 3Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to …

THE END HAS ALREADY STARTED Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25) Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 7Although our iniquities testify against us, act, O LORD, for your name’s sake; our apostasies indeed are many, and we have sinned against you.8O hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger …

LIFE PRESERVER Genesis 32:22-31 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp 22The same night [Jacob] got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24Jacob was left alone; and a …

A BETTER WAY 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23) Analysis by Cathy Lessmann Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. 2Now …

THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF EVIL: KEEP THE FAITH Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22) Analysis by Bill White 1 1The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. The Prophet’s Complaint 2 O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not …

A WHOLE NEW CHAPTER Amos 6:1a, 4-7 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21) Analysis by Paul Jaster Alas for those who are at ease in Zion, and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria, the notables of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel resorts! 4Alas for those who lie on beds of …

THE PRIDE OF JACOB Amos 8:4-7 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20) Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 4 Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, 5 saying, ‘When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the sabbath, so that we may offer …

GOLDEN CROSS, BLOODY CROSS Exodus 32:7-14 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19) Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 7 The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely. 8They have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have …

A CHOICE OF LIFE AND DEATH Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18) Analysis by Peter Keyel 15 See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16 If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his …

WHEN LOWER IS HIGHER Proverbs 25:6-7 [2-10] Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17) Analysis by Bill White 6 Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great, 7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. Author’s …

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP Isaiah 58:9b-14 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16) Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 9Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, 10if you offer …

CRUSHER Jeremiah 23:23-29 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15) Analysis by Marcus Felde Am I a God nearby, says the LORD, and not a God far off? 24Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD. 25I have heard what the prophets …

TO ERR IS HUMAN. GIVING HEIRS IS GOD’S REWARD Genesis 15:1-6 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14) Analysis by Mark Marius 1After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will …

BREATHING BEYOND VANITY Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13) Analysis by Michael Hoy 2Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. 12I, the Teacher, when king over Israel in Jerusalem, 13applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an …

THE GRAND BARGAIN Genesis 18:20-32 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12) Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 20Then the LORD said, “How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! 21I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, …

PROMISES, PROMISES, PROMISES Genesis 18:1-10a Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11) Analysis by Steven E. Albertin The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. 2He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from …

GOD MAKES AND KEEPS HIS PROMISES Isaiah 66:10-14 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9) Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 10Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her— 11that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply …

PASSING THE MANTLE 1 Kings 19:15-16, [17-18], 19-21 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8) Analysis by Chris Repp 15Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram.16Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you …

HERE I AM Isaiah 65:1-9 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7) Analysis by Cathy Lessmann I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here am I, here am I,” to a nation that did not call on …

YOU ARE THE MAN 2 Samuel 11:26—12:10, 13-15
 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6) Analysis by Bill White When the wife of Uriah heard that her husband was dead, she made lamentation for him. 27 When the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife, and bore him a son. But the …

YOUR SON IS ALIVE! 1 Kings 17:17-24 Third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5) Analysis by Paul Jaster 17After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill; his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18She then said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? …

SOLOMON: WISE (YES), SINNER (YES), SAINT (NO EVIDENCE). Second Sunday after Pentecost 1 King 8:22-23, 41-43 Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. 23He said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God …

THE NAME OF GOD Psalm 8 Holy Trinity Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 1 O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the …

CULTURE SHOCK Acts 2:1-11 The Day of Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues …

DEADLY DUTY Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 16:16-34 Analysis by Peter Keyel 16One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. 17While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are …

UP IN GREECE WITHOUT A PREACHER Acts 16:9-15 Sixth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 9During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced …

GOD-WASHED Acts 11:1-18 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Marcus Felde Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” 4Then Peter …

GOD’S GARMENT MAKES GOOD Acts 9:36-42 Fourth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Mark Marius 36Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a …

RESURRECTION RE-DIRECTIONS Acts 9:1-6 [7-20] Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Michael Hoy 1Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring …

AS ONE WITH AUTHORITY Acts 5:27-32 Second Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 27When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to …

IT HAS NEVER BEEN LIKE THIS BEFORE! Isaiah 65:17-25 The Resurrection of Our Lord/Easter Sunday Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 17For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about …

YOU CAN’T GO OUT LOOKING LIKE THAT! Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Good Friday Analysis by Timothy Hoyer   See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. 14Just as there were many who were astonished at him—so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals— 15so …

Ready to Go Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14 Maundy Thursday Analysis by Chris Repp   The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are …

THE ONE WHO SUFFERS WITH AND FOR US Isaiah 50:4-9 Palm Sunday Analysis by Cathy Lessmann   4The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.  Morning by morning he wakens – wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.  5The Lord …

HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS Isaiah 43:16-21 Fifth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Bill White   16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 18 Do …

GOD SAVES Joshua 5:9-12 Fourth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Paul Jaster   9The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” And so that place is called Gilgal to this day. 10While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of …

PROMISE TRUMPS SOVEREIGNTY Isaiah 55:1-9 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl  1Ho, everyone who thirsts,    come to the waters; and you that have no money,    come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk    without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,    and your labour …

GOD’S PROMISE TO ABRAM/ABRAHAM Second Sunday in Lent Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Analysis by Bruce T. Martin   15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, …

A FRAGRANT OFFERING Deuteronomy 26:1-11 First Sunday of Lent Analysis by Lori A. Cornell   1 When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, 2 you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of …

THE LENTEN FAST Isaiah 58:1-12 Ash Wednesday Analysis by Peter Keyel   1Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. 2Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that …

CATASTROPHE! Exodus 34:29-35 The Transfiguration of Our Lord Analysis by Marcus Felde   Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30When Aaron and all …

THE “ONLY” WORD GOD KNOWS IN GOD’S OWN WORD Jeremiah 1:4-10 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Mark Marius   4Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 6Then …

WATER GATE CONFESSIONS Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Third Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Michael Hoy   1All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel.  2Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before …

A SHIFT IN STATUS Isaiah 62:1-5 Second Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl   1For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,  and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,  until her vindication shines out like the dawn,  and her salvation like a burning torch.  2The nations shall see your vindication,  and all the kings …

DON’T FORGET YOUR NAMETAG Isaiah 43:1-7 The Baptism of Our Lord Analysis by Steven E. Albertin   1But now thus says the LORD,  he who created you, O Jacob,  he who formed you, O Israel:  Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;  I have called you by name, you are mine.  2When you pass through the waters, …

SO… HERE WE ARE IN BETHLEHEM Jeremiah 31:7-14 Second Sunday of Christmas Analysis by Joseph Justus van der Sabb   7 For thus says the LORD: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O LORD, your people, the remnant of Israel.” 8 See, I …

SEEKING THE FORSAKEN Isaiah 62:6-12 Christmas Day Analysis by Chris Repp   Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest, 7and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth. 8The Lord has …

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GRAMMAR 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 First Sunday of Christmas Analysis by Timothy Hoyer   18Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly …

THE GREAT COSMIC MAKEOVER Isaiah 9:2-7 Christmas Eve Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they rejoice before thee as with joy at the …

BETHLEHEM’S PEACE Micah 5:2-5a Fourth Sunday of Advent Analysis by Paul Jaster   2 But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,  who are one of the little clans of Judah,  from you shall come forth for me  one who is to rule in Israel,  whose origin is from of old,  from ancient days.  3Therefore he shall give them up …

TAKING REFUGE IN THE PROMISE Zephaniah 3:14-20 Third Sunday of Advent Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 14 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;    shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart,    O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,    he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;    you …

The One Gift That Produces Many Offerings Second Sunday of Advent Malachi 3:1-4 Analysis by Bruce T. Martin   3:1 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the LORD whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the …

THE LORD IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS Jeremiah 33:14-16 First Sunday of Advent Analysis by Peter Keyel   14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up …

IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Seventh Sunday of Easter Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 15In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, 16”Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became …

SOMEONE’S KNOCKING AT THE DOOR Acts 10:44-48 Sixth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Chris Repp 44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,46for they heard them …

LOOK, IT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW! Acts 8:26-40 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 26But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. 27And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a …

NO STOPPING THEM Acts 4:5-12 Fourth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Paul Jaster 5The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or …

THE POWER BEHIND PETER’S CHARITY Acts 3:12-19 Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 3:12 When Peter saw [the astonishment of the people over his healing of the lame man], he addressed the people, ‘You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power …

THE FAMILY OF GOD Acts 4:32-35 Second Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 4:32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the …

THE GREAT MARRIAGE Genesis 2:18-24 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22) Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 18Then the Lord GOD said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” 19So out of the ground the Lord GOD formed every animal of the field and every bird …

ALL IN THE FAMILY Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost 18 (Proper 21) Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 4The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, …

ANATHOTH AND NAZARETH Jeremiah 11:18-20 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Joseph Justus van der Sabb 18It was the LORD who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds.19But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they …

SUSTAIN THE WEARY Isaiah 50:4-9 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 4The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. 5The Lord God has opened my …

FEAR-LESS Isaiah 35:4-7a Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” 5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the …

THE EXTRAVAGANT GIFT GIVER Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17) Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 1 So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. …

DECISION DAY Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Paul Jaster 1Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God.2And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Long …

Wooed by Lady Wisdom Proverbs 9:1-6 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 9Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn her seven pillars. 2She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. 3She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls from the highest places in the town, …

ZEAL FOR THE LORD 1 Kings 19:4-8 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 19:4 But he himself [Elijah] went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now O Lord, take away my life, for I am …

MANNA IN THE WILDERNESS Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel 2The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and …

ENOUGH, BY FAITH 2 Kings 4:42-44 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12) Analysis by Bill White A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, “Give it to the people and let them eat.” 43But his …

FAITHFUL SHEPHERD, FAITHFUL SHEEP Jeremiah 23:1-6 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. 2Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have …

WHO AM I TO TALK? Amos 7:7-15 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Marcus Felde This is what he showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. 8And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” …

INDEPENDENCE BROUGHT FORTH BY THE WORD Ezekiel 2:1-5 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Mark Marius 1He said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you. 2And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. …

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF DESPAIR Lamentations 3:22-33 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Michael Hoy 22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” …

TWO KINDS OF WISDOM Job 38:1-11 Pentecost 4 (Proper 7) Analysis by Ronald C. Neustadt Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. “Where were you when I laid …

TREE OF LIFE Ezekiel 17:22-24 Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Martin Lohrmann 22 Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on …

HIDING AND SEEKING Genesis 3:8-15 Second Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5) Analysis by Bruce K Modahl 8They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9But …

A HOLY GOD AND A HOLY PEOPLE Isaiah 6:1-8 Holy Trinity Sunday Analysis by Steven E. Albertin In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they …

GOD BREATHES Psalm 104:24-34, 35b The Day of Pentecost Analysis by Joseph Justus van der Sabb 24O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. 25Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great. 26There go …

WE ARE OUT TO GET YOU Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Resurrection of Our Lord Analysis by Peter Keyel Psalms 118:1-2, 14-24 1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 14 The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become …

FAITH TESTED Genesis 22:1-18 Easter Vigil Analysis by Bill White After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of …

JUST LIKE CLOCKWORK Exodus 12:1-14 Maundy Thursday Analysis by Marcus Felde The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month …

SUFFERING THE CONSEQUENCES GIVES GROUNDS FOR GOD’S GRACE Isaiah 50:4–9a Sunday of the Passion Analysis by Mark Marius 4The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens — wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. …

THE PROMISING COVENANT Jeremiah 31:31-34 Fifth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Michael Hoy 31The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the …

LIFT HIGH THE CROSS Numbers 21:4-9 Fourth Sunday of Lent Analysis by Ronald C. Neustadt 4From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up …

I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD Exodus 20:1-17 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Martin Lohrmann Then God spoke all these words: 2I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; 3you shall have no other gods before me. 4You shall not make for yourself …

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. 2And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” 3Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, 4″As for me, this is my …

8Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9″As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11I establish …

Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on there way from Gilgal. 2Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So …

21Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent …

15″The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren—him you shall heed—16just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, or see this great fire …

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you. 3So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. 4Jonah …

3Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. 2At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; 3the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and …

FAITHFUL SHEPHERD, FAITHFUL SHEEP Jeremiah 23:1-6 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. 2Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have …

BEGINNINGS Genesis 1:1-5 Baptism of Our Lord Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 1:1 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3Then God said, “Let there be light”; …

GOD TURNS MOURNING TO JOY Jeremiah 31:7-14 Second Sunday of Christmas Analysis by Peter Keyel 7 For thus says the LORD: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O LORD, your people, the remnant of Israel.” 8 See, I am going to bring …

BELIEVING IS SEEING Isaiah 61:10—62:3 First Sunday of Christmas Analysis by Bill White 10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and …

BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FEET Isaiah 52:7-10 Christmas Day Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’ 8 Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain …

THE BROKEN YOKE Isaiah 9:2-7 The Nativity of Our Lord Analysis by Marcus Felde The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined. 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy …

TURNING FAVORS INTO FAVORITES 2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16 Fourth Sunday of Advent Analysis by Mark Marius Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the …

“THE ANOINTED ONE” Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Third Sunday of Advent Analysis by Michael Hoy 1The spirit of the LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners; 2to proclaim …

THE WORD THAT STANDS FOREVER Isaiah 40:1-11 Second Sunday of Advent Analysis by Ronald C. Neustadt 40Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3A …

GOD HIDDEN AND REVEALED Isaiah 64:1-9 First Sunday of Advent Analysis by Martin Lohrmann O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence— 2as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the …

GOD WILL POUR OUT THE SPIRIT ON ALL FLESH Acts 2:1-21 The Day of Pentecost Analysis by Peter Keyel When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they …

RETURNING TO EARTH Acts 1:6-14 Seventh Sunday of Easter Analysis by Martin Lohrmann 6So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. …

IDOL WORSHIP Acts 17:22-31 Sixth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Bill White Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. 23 For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with …

LOUD AND LOUDER Acts 7:55-60 Fifth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Marcus Felde 55But filled with the Holy Spirit, [Stephen] gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56Look, he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of …

ABUNDANT LIFE —ADDING BY SUBTRACTING Acts 2:42-47 Fourth Sunday of Easter Analysis by Mark Marius The appointed text for this week’s Crossing is realized in Step 6, so we must go back a few verses and read between the lines as we also consider John 10:10 from the Gospel reading. [36Therefore let the entire house of Israel …

JESUS WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED Acts 2.14a, 36-41 Third Sunday of Easter Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 14But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them,. 36″Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37Now when they heard this, they …

IMPLICATED/EXONORATED Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Second Sunday of Easter Analysis by Ron Starenko 14But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them,…22″You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to by God with deeds of powers, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, …

A CROSS-BORN IMPARTIALITY Acts 10:34-43 Easter Sunday Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl 34Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace …

THROUGH GOD’S WELCOME, WE CAN WELCOME OTHERS John 1:1-14 Christmas Day Analysis by Peter Keyel 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. …

CELEBRATING THE FIRST FRUITS OF THE GOSPEL Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Day of Thanksgiving Analysis by Paul Jaster When you have come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, 2you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the …

THE GOOD SHEPHERD Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Christ the King Sunday Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 11For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.12As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all …

EASTER IS THE NEW DAY OF THE LORD Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Timothy Hoyer 7Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is at hand; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, he has consecrated his guests. 12At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will …

THE DAY OF THE LORD Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Michael Hoy 7Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is at hand; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice, he has consecrated his guests. 12At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the people …

“JOSH THE PLUMBER” Amos 5:18-24 Twenty-Second Sunday after the Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp 18Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord? It is darkness, not light; 19as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and …

LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce T. Martin Lev. 19:1 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 2 Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy . . . 15 You shall not …

RESTORED Isaiah 45:1-7 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24) Analysis by Ronald C. Neustadt 45Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him and strip kings of their robes, to open doors before him – and the gates shall not be closed: 2I will go before …

THE CITY OF THE RUTHLESS VERSUS THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD Isaiah 25:1–9 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23) Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 25O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. 2 For you have made …

LIFE IS UNFAIR Ezekiel 18:1-4, [5-24], 25-32 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21) Analysis by Peter Keyel The word of the LORD came to me: 2 What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge”? 3 As I live, …

GRACE: IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU Jonah 3:10—4:11 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 3 10When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. 4 But this was …

POWER TO RECONCILE Genesis 50:15–21 14th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19) Analysis by Bill White 15Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” 16So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this …

NOT JUST WHISTLING DIXIE! Ezekiel 33:7-11 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18) Analysis by Marcus Felde 7 So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 8If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely …

WHEN GOD’S WORD WEIGHS YOU DOWN THE WORD OF GOD PICKS YOU UP Jeremiah 15:15-21 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17) Analysis by Mark Marius 15 O LORD, you know; remember me and visit me, and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors. In your forbearance do not take me away; know that on your account …

NOT WORKS, BUT FAITH Isaiah 51:1-6 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16) Analysis by Timothy Hoyer Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. 2Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; …

A NAME BETTER THAN SONS AND DAUGHTERS Isaiah 56:1-8 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Paul Jaster Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed.2 Happy is the mortal who does this, the one who holds it fast, who keeps the sabbath, not …

YAHWEH DOESN’T QUIT ON QUITTERS I Kings 19:9-18 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 9At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ 10He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God …

THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON AND THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE CROSS 1 Kings 3:5-12 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Chris Repp At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” 6And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father …

I TOLD YOU SO! Isaiah 44:6-8 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven E. Albertin 6Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. 7Who is like me? Let them proclaim it, let them declare and …

THE EVERLASTING SIGN OF THE CROSS Isaiah 55:10-13 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 55:10  For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11so …

HOPE RESTORED Zechariah 9:9–12 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Lori A. Cornell   9Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim …

BEARING JESUS’ YOKE Jeremiah 28:5-9 Third Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Bruce K. Modahl 5Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD; 6and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD fulfill …

JEREMIAH: GOD’S WHISTLEBLOWER Jeremiah 20:7-13 Second Sunday after Pentecost Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 7 O Lord, you have enticed me, and I was enticed; you have overpowered me, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughing-stock all day long; everyone mocks me. 8 For whenever I speak, I must cry out, I must shout, ‘Violence …

VOICE OVER Genesis 1:1 — 2:4a Holy Trinity Analysis by Joseph Justus van der Sabb Genesis 1:1 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3Then God said, …

WITH MERCY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Good Friday Analysis by Cathy Lessmann 13 See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, 14 Just as there were many who were astonished at him— so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortal— 15 so he shall …

A PROMISE AND A NEW PROMISE Exodus 12.1-4, 11-14 Maundy Thursday Analysis by Timothy Hoyer The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the …

A SERVANT CHURCH Isaiah 50:4-9a Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 50:4 The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. 5 The Lord God …

JUDGMENT EXECUTED/PROMISE DELIVERED Ezekiel 37:1-14 Fifth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 37The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2He led me all around them; there were very …

ANOINTED 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Fourth Sunday in Lent Analysis by Joseph Justus van der Sabb Samuel Anoints David 16The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I …

POTABLE WATER IS A HUMAN RIGHT Exodus 17:1-7 Third Sunday in Lent Analysis by Peter Keyel From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us …

OUT OF ONE, MANY Genesis 12:1-4a Second Sunday in Lent Analysis by Martin Lohrmann Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, …

HUNGER PAINS Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 First Sunday of Lent Analysis by Bill White 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17 but of the tree …

WITH FASTING, WITH WEEPING, AND WITH MOURNING Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Ash Wednesday Slightly Unusual Analysis by Marcus Felde Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming, it is near — 2a day of darkness and gloom, a …

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE GODLY KIND Exodus 24:12-18 Transfiguration of Our Lord Analysis by Mark Marius 12The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” 13So Moses set out …

WHOLLY SET APART Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Timothy J. Hoyer The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. 9When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall …

CROSSING WITH LIFE: A LIVELY CHOICE Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Michael Hoy 15See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the LORD your God, walking in his ways, and observing …

GOING HOME Isaiah 58:1-9a Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Ron Starenko Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. 2Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation …

The LORD vs. the People Micah 6:1-8 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Analysis by Chris Repp Hear what the Lord says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. 2Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his …

THE PEOPLE WHO WALKED IN DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT Isaiah 9:1-4 Third Sunday after the Epiphany Analysis by Steven E. Albertin But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time …

ISRAEL’S CRUCIFIXION-FOR US Second Sunday after the Epiphany Isaiah 49:1-7 Analysis by Bruce T. Martin 49:1 Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born; while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. 2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the …

THE SERVANT WHO SERVES Isaiah 42:1-9 (cf. Matthew 12:15-21) Baptism of Our Lord Analysis by Ronald C. Neustadt Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make …

NO LONGER WINNERS OR LOSERS, ONLY THE REDEEMED Jeremiah 31: 7-14 Second Sunday after Christmas Analysis by Steven C. Kuhl 7For thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” 8See, I am …

WHO’S THAT? Isaiah 63:7-9 First Sunday of Christmas Analysis by Joseph Justus van der Sabb Isaiah 63:1-19 Vengeance on Edom 63’Who is this that comes from Edom, from Bozrah in garments stained crimson? Who is this so splendidly robed, marching in his great might?’ ‘It is I, announcing vindication, mighty to save.’ 2 ‘Why are your robes …

SAME OLD, SAME OLD Isaiah 52:7-10 The Nativity of Our Lord Analysis by Peter Keyel 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’ 8 Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; …

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Isaiah 9:2-7 Christmas Eve Analysis by Lori A. Cornell 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined. 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at …