December 27, 2025

Today's Reading: John 21:20-25

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 51:17-52:12; Matthew 2:1-12

“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It’s easy to make comparisons to others. The flesh wants to be on top, number one, the best at everything. You see it in children who cry and throw tantrums when they lose at something or feel slighted by another child. Adults are no different, only they throw tantrums in different ways.

The disciples were not immune to the Old Adam, and the Gospels record their quest for greatness and penchant for comparisons amongst themselves. In Matthew (20:20-28) and Mark (10:35-45) we hear the story of James and John seeking a place by Jesus. Of course, the other ten disciples are “indignant at the two brothers.” Also, in Matthew (18:1-6) and Mark (9:33-36) are the accounts of the disciples debating the question, “who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” It’s not just in sports, then, the question “Who is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)?” It happens in the Church, even amongst Jesus’ very own disciples.

Despite Jesus’ teaching, old habits die hard, and the Old Adam never ceases to rear his ugly head. Even in the last section of John’s gospel, Peter is worrying about others, not himself. He’s interested in John’s future: “Lord, what about this man?” But it’s none of Peter’s business. John’s outcome will reside in the hidden will of God, as does the fate of everyone. For Peter, the instructions are clear: “follow me” says the Lord.

We’re no different from the disciples in that we make comparisons that can easily give rise to wretched jealousy and anger over the neighbor. But in God’s Church, this has no place. Such sins require that daily repentance before Christ seeking forgiveness for all those times we exalted ourselves and forgot about our sin. All those times we compared ourselves with others in the Church, thought we were better, or despised those we judged to be ahead in pious works and the eyes of others—we’re called to repentance of such sins and to faith in God. We’re given a baptized life where those good works flow from faith excluding hubris and comparisons, jealousy and discontentment with ourselves before God.

Our eyes need to be on Jesus, and we need to listen to His voice, “follow Me.” The neighbor is in God’s hands, whose days are numbered like ours. The measure of days God knows and thus we’re content knowing our lives are in the hands of a loving Creator Who has redeemed us by the blood of His Son calling us to bear our crosses and follow Him.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, forgive us of our pride and by Thy Word bring us daily to repentance and faith trusting in You to bring us through the vale of tears into that life everlasting You have prepared for us by Your cross and blood. Amen.

Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.