In Matthew 20, Jesus tells a parable that makes us uncomfortable: workers who labored one hour receive the same pay as those who worked all day in scorching heat.

This sermon explores how God actively pursues those the world has written off, gives full rewards that defy our sense of fairness, and defends his sovereign right to be lavishly generous. Through the lens of Israel's wilderness wandering and the rock that provided water to rebellious people, we see a picture of Christ struck for our sake. Whether you're an "11th hour" believer or have been faithful for decades, this message challenges us to embrace God's scandalous grace.

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

#GibbonMN #LutheranChurchMN #LCMSWorship

In Matthew 17, Peter, James, and John witness Jesus transfigured on the mountain. Their terrified response reveals something about human nature and God's holiness.

But Jesus doesn't leave them cowering in fear. He touches them and speaks words that echo through the centuries: "Rise and have no fear." This Transfiguration Sunday message explores why God's glory terrifies us, how Christ veils that same glory in flesh to make himself touchable, and the incredible promise that we too will be clothed in the glory that would otherwise destroy us.

Through the mystery of the incarnation and the cross that lies ahead, Jesus transforms the terror of God's presence into the hope of sharing in his divine nature forever.

Scripture References

• Matthew 17:1-9 (primary text - the Transfiguration)
• Exodus 34 (Moses' shining face)
• Genesis 1:3 ("Let there be light")
• Colossians 2:9 (fullness of deity dwells bodily in Christ)
• Psalm 2 (messianic king)
• Isaiah 42 (suffering servant)
• 2 Peter 1 (eyewitnesses of his majesty)

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

#GibbonMN #LutheranChurchMN #LCMSWorship

Running out of wine at a first-century Jewish wedding was a social disaster that people would remember forever. But when this crisis strikes at a wedding in Cana, Jesus steps in to perform his first miracle. Yet this isn't simply about keeping a party going; it's a sign that points to something much greater.

Instead of just solving the immediate problem, Jesus creates an overwhelming abundance, turning 120–180 gallons of ceremonial washing water into the finest wine anyone had ever tasted. The miracle demonstrates God's superabundant grace and points forward to Jesus' ultimate "hour": His death and resurrection. Through this first sign, we see how Jesus restores not just a wedding feast, but the spiritual fortunes of God's people.

This sermon explores how we live in the overflow of God's grace today through Word and Sacrament, receiving far more than we need so we can share generously with others.

Takeaways

• God's grace comes in overwhelming abundance. It's always more than we need so we can share with others who are struggling.
• Jesus transforms the old covenant's ceremonial requirements into the joy of the gospel, fulfilling the law.
• The timing of this miracle on "the third day" points forward to Jesus' resurrection and the ultimate restoration he would accomplish through His death.
• We experience this abundant grace regularly through ordinary means: confession and absolution, Scripture reading, preaching, and Holy Communion.
• Living in God's overflow means getting filled up through worship and Word, then being sent out to love others, returning again when we're empty.

Scripture Index

• John 2:1-11 (primary text - Wedding at Cana)
• Amos 9:11-15 (restoration of David's fallen tent, mountains dripping wine)
• Amos 9:13 (plowman overtaking the reaper)
• John 1 (law through Moses, grace and truth through Jesus Christ)
• Various references to Jesus' "hour" throughout John's Gospel
• General references to Old Testament Levitical purification laws

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

#GibbonMN #LutheranChurchMN #LCMSWorship