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.

December 26, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 23:34-39

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:22-26; 50:4-51:8, 12-16; Matthew 1:18-25

“Truly, I say to you all these things will come upon this generation” (Matthew 23:36)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

This text speaks about Jerusalem’s rejection of Christ. Prophets and wise men will come from God only to suffer death, a pattern history reveals in the examples of Abel and Zechariah the son of Barachiah, the latter being “murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.” Nevertheless, vindication will come. God’s justice will prevail when “righteous blood” falls upon those rejecting the grace of God. In God’s court, the murderers and persecuting unbelievers have no Advocate. The verdict is death for those despising the only Mediator between heaven and earth.

The target audience in Jesus’ teaching here plays a part in this prophecy when before Pilate they cry “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 24:25), a striking statement brimming with theological importance. Indeed, Jesus’ blood will atone for the entire world, even the ungodly. His justification for man fulfilled at the cross is universal, not partial and selective. Still, Jesus’ enemies boldly claim responsibility for His death. Killing the Messiah in raw defiance is blasphemy before the Lord of justice and mercy. “This generation” is Jesus’ designation of the wicked, the unbelievers, the enemies of God opposing prophet, disciple, and pastor because of their hatred of God. All things will come to pass according to the divine Word and “this generation” is no exception to God’s judgment.

This is a sad narrative of Jesus’ lament for His children. After everything He did for His people, the result was rejection. Jesus’ words “you were not willing” place the onus square on the sinner, not God. Unbelief resides in the flesh of man to look at God’s promise to gather us as the hen gathers her brood under her wings and say “no.” Such rejection and the persecution of God’s people will continue until the Last Day. Baptized believers live with no delusion of grandeur that life will be easy for the Church. This text teaches us what’s in store for the Church of God as she makes her pilgrimage in this life fraught with difficulty and trial. Still, The Lord is merciful to gather us under His wing, to grant His people protection and peace; to confirm for us His promise of salvation at His glorious return when every knee shall bow and confess before the Lord of glory Who keeps his Word. Just as judgment comes to pass, so does Jesus’ promise to save.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord, grant your Church steadfast faith to endure persecution and find comfort and hope in Your steadfast love that endures for all generations. 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.

December 25, 2025

Today's Reading: John 1:1-18

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The words “in the beginning” take us back to Genesis. We know the story: a perfect, pristine creation by God in six days comes crashing down under the curse of sin by one man’s trespass that “led to condemnation for all men” (Romans 5:18). The darkness of sin and man’s condemnation under the law is only overcome by divine Light.

The inspired writer John proclaims this Light, this redemption found in the Word made flesh Who dwelt among us. John’s description of Jesus is still worthy of faithful contemplation, for he speaks of Jesus’ divinity as the everlasting Word in the beginning through Whom all things were made. Whereas the other Gospels begin emphasizing the humanity of Jesus, John begins with His divinity. Christ wasn’t another prophet or rabbi, but the everlasting Word Incarnate, God having come to dwell among us not in a Temple or Tent, but in the flesh and blood person of Christ crucified and risen from the dead. We behold our Advocate with the Father in the Son Who testifies “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30) and “before Abraham was, I Am” (John 8:58). In the face of so many heresies decrying Jesus as God, this confession of Christ as Lord must go forth in that courageous conviction only God brings forth in His blessed children. There’s no other way to the Father than through the Son, Who is the “Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6) and calls sinners to repentance and faith in He Who still outshines a dark world.

The children of God believe and confess this Word by faith, and John also clarifies for us that this is God’s work. Children of God aren’t made so by the will of the flesh but God. It’s His divine work to bring life from death. The dark, cold, stoney heart becomes one brimming with life at the good deposit entrusted to the baptized believer—faith in the Word made flesh. It’s this faith that seeks comfort and solace in the promises of God when it seems the darkness has won and thus any victory belongs to the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31). Feelings should fall to the wayside of Jesus’ promises. No, the darkness doesn’t win. The Word Incarnate has made sure of it. The darkness doesn’t overcome the Light Who shines now and for all eternity.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Into flesh is made the Word, alleluia! He, our refuge and our Lord, alleluia! On this day God gave us Christ, His Son, to save us; Christ, His Son, to save us (LSB 381)

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.

December 24, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 44:21-45:13, 20-25; Daniel 10:1-12:13; Isaiah 48:1-22; Revelation 12:1-17

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Isaiah 44:21-45:13 makes the point that God is in control of conducting affairs and uses people according to His good and gracious will. His Word won’t return void but always accomplishes His purpose. So, despite how chaotic and unpredictable the world seems at times, the world still exists under the God Who knows when the sparrow falls and the number of hairs on the head; the God turning the hearts of Kings and working through them as instruments for His divine command. Cyrus was one more King in a line of those ruling powerful empires whose lifespans were always framed by God’s divine boundaries. He was a subduer of nations whose hand God held to loosen the belts of kings and open gates to territories powerless before God. The point is clear: God works through people to fulfill His holy will.

Against this backdrop we can read a passage like Matthew 1:18-25 and see again the LORD working through people, only this time it’s not a powerful earthly King but the virgin Mary. God doesn’t rely on the strength of the flesh and needs no temporal Kings to bring forth the One True King ruling on His throne, even in the womb. It’s a reversal from what we see in the Old Testament—the God Who uses Kings now uses the lowly virgin in the delicate womb to carry the Christ Who will establish His own Kingdom by blood.

Matthew 1:21 is the divine Word of God foretelling salvation in the Christ Who will save His people from their sins. The birth of Jesus fulfills another prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 that says “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” Joseph is righteous not only in how he treats Mary when suspecting her of adultery, but in that he believes the Word from the angel of the Lord. He does according to God’s command and calls the child “Jesus.”

The world still turns under God’s watch, which is a comforting truth alongside the Gospel teaching us that in this world of kings coming and going, nations rising and falling, chaos, pain, suffering, and death, God is good to keep His Word once again in sending His Son to fulfill His promise of saving sinners. The child in Mary’s womb would do it, showing again God faithfulness in keeping His Word to redeem the world which happens only by Jesus’ cross and blood.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Here a maid was found with child, Yet remained a virgin mild. In her womb this truth was shown: God was there upon His throne (LSB 332:3)

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.

December 23, 2025

Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-19

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:25-44:20; Revelation 11:1-19

“…I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him” (Deuteronomy 18:18)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God charges every prophet, disciple, apostle, and pastor to speak His Word; thus, the wide sense of Deuteronomy 18:18. God gives His Word to His men bearing the task of speaking the full counsel of the divine Word. God desires His office bearers to speak what He says without addition and subtraction to the mighty Word, a point any faithful pastor knows well. But is there an individual in mind here, or is God speaking about the Office for men tasked with the ministry in various points in human history?

There are scholars arguing that God is only speaking about the prophets in general, without anyone in mind. Often, these arguments spin out of unbelief in the inspired text. People doubt the Bible to be God’s inerrant Word and concoct arguments from the premise that the Scriptures are void of any divine inspiration. The Bible without its divine character becomes just another book, a collection of myths by mortals under the familiar confines of a fallen world and sinful flesh. Our confession, however, is that the Bible can be trusted, and that it is the holy, infallible Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Who always testifies to God’s redemption won for us by Christ. Luther looked at this passage (Deuteronomy 18:18) and saw not only its divine character as the Word of God, but in light of Jesus, Who says about the Scriptures, “It is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39), he saw Deuteronomy testifying to Christ. The “prophet” in chapter 18 is Christ from the blood of the Jews Who perfectly and completely taught the Word of God and fulfilled it in His suffering and death.

Moses, a great leader and prophet in his own right, would not be the last. God would raise a large company of prophets, ultimately leading to Christ, the Prophet from the Jews, giving us the Holy Word of God, testifying to Himself as the Savior of the nations. The warning is clear: “whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him” (Deuteronomy 18:19). Our task is to listen, a listening that always entails repentance and faith in the Prophet Who still speaks in His Word, teaches, leads, and guides us gathering in His Name and reading His Word on the pages of our Bibles testifying to God’s salvation in that Prophet, that Savior sent from God, our crucified and risen Savior Who is Jesus.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus, turn us daily to your Word and grant us repentance and faith always that leads to life everlasting obtained for us by Your blood that washes away all sin and makes us your Church. 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.

December 22, 2025

Today's Reading: John 1:19-28

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:1-24; Revelation 9:13-10:11

“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said” (John 1:23)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The Pharisees sent priests and Levites to scope out the preacher, the first of many encounters between God and His enemies recorded in the Gospels. Their questions aren’t for idle curiosity and genuine desire for the truth. The higher-ups want to know what they’re dealing with and who the new preacher in town is, drawing the people away from themselves to Bethany across the Jordan.

We know from Matthew and Luke that John knew this wasn’t a harmless delegation when he called them a “brood of vipers.” Still, he doesn’t shy or shirk from his duty. Boldly, John confesses that he isn’t the Christ, but rather a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. He is “the voice” calling people to readiness before the coming One Whose sandals he’s not worthy to untie.

The blessed Christmas season highlights the birth of Jesus, and as we reflect upon His coming by the virgin Mary in a stable, John’s words are for us to hear: “Make straight the way of the Lord.” We crumple and break the ways of God in our sin. We know the Law, what God commands us to do, but daily our pesky, wretched Old Adam gets the upper hand. Try as we might, the Law still convicts, and our reliance before God can only be the One about Whom John boldly testifies and confesses. John calls us to straighten things out, get on the right path, and stop twisting and turning. In other words, John calls us to repentance. Christ is coming, the theme of Advent, and our lives anticipating His return for Judgment. Christ is coming on the Last Day and comes even now in Word and Sacrament. Repentance and faith define the life of the baptized believer, availing Himself of Christ and His gifts whenever possible.

Finally, we should note John’s courage to confess in the face of enemies. It happens when the Christian knows persecution from those asking questions with evil intentions is coming. The Truth, however, prevails, and it’s another fruit of faith to be bold in the face of danger, knowing the One Who comes is the One Who has saved us from sin, risen from the dead, and gives to His Church that hope and freedom the devil and God’s enemies cannot overcome.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Once He came in blessing, All our sins redressing; Came in likeness lowly, son of God most holy; Bore the cross to save us; Hope and freedom gave us (LSB, 333:1)

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.

December 21, 2025

Today's Reading: John 20:24-29

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Thomas refused to believe his brothers’ testimony of the risen Christ. He wanted concrete proof, a living body he could feel, a real visual for the eyes. This makes sense. Jesus had prophesied His resurrection, and Thomas wanted evidence. Why would he give up everything for a lie? He’s doubting, thus the moniker “doubting Thomas”; still, no disciple abandons everything for a cause he knows is untrue. Jesus’ words “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” are a gentle rebuke for Thomas and us who make demands on God when the Word is sufficient. Christ is merciful to give Thomas what He seeks and prompts that great confession, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas sees, believes, and goes on to exercise Jesus’ charge to forgive and retain sins (John 20:22-23) in a firm faith only God can give.

It’s not hard to find people denying God while claiming a lack of proof. But how many stories are in the Bible recording miraculous events only for the people to continue in unbelief? The Israelites crossed the Red Sea in miraculous fashion, only to grumble about food. Jesus healed on the Sabbath before enemies seeking His death. Miracles, we find, don’t always result in faith and a proper understanding of Jesus. The devil who masquerades as an angel of light would love to have us turn to something other than the Word, telling us we need proof and evidence before faith. But the Scriptures are clear to teach us the power of the Holy Word and its sufficiency, therefore to create faith that believes and thus one is blessed without the eyes, without reason’s confirmation of God via the senses.

The disciples’ witness of the living Christ is foundational to the testimony today going forth, echoing what Thomas and the others saw—the risen Christ Whose scars mean forgiveness and life. The Church still echoes this testimony and responds to Jesus in the words “My Lord and my God!” The Holy Spirit, Who works still in His Word, is good to create such faith before our risen Savior, Who speaks, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthened Your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in the resurrection of Your Son. Grant us such faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that we may never be found wanting in Your sight; through the same Jesus Chris, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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.

December 20, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 4 - Psalm 19:1, 4-6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8a

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:18-41:10; Revelation 8:1-13

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The heavens declare. The sky proclaims. The glory of God is spoken. The handiwork of God is revealed. Creation itself shows us who God is. Not fully; we have the Scriptures to tell us in detail who God is and of His great sacrifice on the cross on our behalf. However, Almighty God, as creator and sustainer of life, is not unknowable apart from His Word.

God’s creation reveals Him as Creator. The complex systems that are in place for sustaining our basic needs are all designed. And we can know whether or not we have sinned, because we do have a conscience within us. These are all the natural order of things. So all are without excuse when they stand before the Lord on the Last Day.

That God is revealed in the natural order of things should drive us all the more to the place where He speaks about Himself. Yes, we can see God through His creation, but we know what He thinks of us by listening to His Word itself. We can see just how much our sin hurts ourselves and those around us when we listen to Him. And we can see just how much He cares for us by becoming a human being just like us. Standing in our place to take what we have earned by our sins.

The heavens declare God's glory. But as amazing as the heavens are, it is the glory of Christ on His cross that gives us hope. God sacrificed Himself to save His creation, to save you and me. To make His advent here two thousand or so years ago. Be born, taking on our humanity to stand in our place and receive what we had earned. Then giving us His place, His righteousness, His life. And by that Gift, He gives us all others as well, including the beauty we see in His creation.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Savior rend the heavens wide; Come down, come down with mighty stride; Unlock the gates, the doors break down; Unbar the way to heaven's crown. (LSB 355:1)

Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.

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.