➡️ The Parable of the Tenants

Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who leased his property to tenants.

At harvest time, he sent servants to collect his portion of the fruit, but the tenants beat and killed them.

Finally, he sent his son, but they killed him too, believing they could take the inheritance.

Jesus asked, "What will the owner do? He will destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others."

Then he quoted Psalm 118: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."

The religious leaders knew Jesus was speaking about them, and they were trying to arrest him.

But what's truly striking is what God was seeking to collect — not your good works or religious achievements, but your sins.

➡️ What About Taxes?

Then, Pharisees and Herodians (normally enemies) joined forces to trap Jesus with a

question about taxes: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?"

Jesus asked for a coin and said, "Whose image is on this? Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

This goes beyond just paying taxes.

Caesar claimed divinity, putting his image on coins to assert ownership. Roman citizens idolized him.

Jesus established proper boundaries: earthly rulers have legitimate but limited authority, while God's authority is ultimate.

We make the same mistake today, turning political leaders into idols, believing our safety depends on "our side" winning.

We forget all rulers are temporary, and God works His saving purpose even through imperfect governments — remember, Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate."

Whether you have a good government or bad, pray for it — but we never want to confuse which kingdom ultimately matters.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Mark 11:12-25: Cursing the Fig Tree, Cleansing the Temple & Moving Mountains

➡️ Jesus curses a fig tree for bearing no fruit, even though it wasn’t fig season. At first glance, this seems unfair.

Some interpretations:

> Creation is Broken: Some suggest the act reflects Jesus’ grief over a broken creation.

In a perfect world (like Eden), fruit trees would always bear fruit.

The fig tree’s barrenness symbolizes how sin has disrupted creation..

> Symbol of Israel: The fig tree also represents Israel.

Its lack of fruit reflects the spiritual barrenness of God's people.

This ties to what follows.

➡️ Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Jesus enters the temple & violently clears out the money changers.

The fig tree & the temple are likely connected.

> Fig Tree = Israel's False Peace: Like the tree, Israel gives the appearance of health but bears no spiritual fruit.

It represents a religious system that had become transactional, abusive, and no longer a source of the forgiveness of sins.

>Temple System Coming to an End: Jesus' actions show that the entire temple system has run its course.

Jesus fulfills the temple, and it is no longer necessary — He is the new temple.

➡️ Faith That Moves Mountains

What does this mean when Jesus says, “If you have faith, you can say to this mountain, ‘Be thrown into the sea,’ and it will be done?”

> The "mountain" may symbolize the Temple Mount

It doesn’t mean God is a "vending machine" where faith is a currency to get material things.

Nor is it about manipulating God to get what you want.

The call to “move mountains” is not about miracles or material gain, but faith in Jesus.

Prayer, then, is about aligning our hearts with God's will — seeking the kingdom and finding comfort in His promises, not worldly outcomes.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Ever felt bored in church and wondered, "Is this even working? Does this mean I’m not really saved?"

You're not alone.

Here's the truth: Boredom doesn't determine your salvation.

The power of God's Word works regardless of how you feel about it.

American Christianity often measures faith by emotions, but that's not the true measure of faith.

What to remember when you're bored:

✅ Your salvation isn't dependent on perfect attention or emotional experiences.

✅ It's based on what Jesus has done for you.

✅ The Word does what God promises, whether you feel it or not.

Practical tips:

✅ Keep showing up, even when it's boring

✅ When your mind wanders, gently bring it back

✅ Take notes during the sermon

✅ Write down distracting thoughts so you can let them go

Church might seem boring sometimes, but that repetition serves you when life is anything but boring — in hospitals, during stressful times, or when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Recognize this struggle as one more area where you need Jesus. Even your inability to pay attention is covered by His grace.

Remember: God loves you and meets you exactly where you are — fidgety, distracted, bored and all.

Your feelings don't determine His faithfulness.

Contributor Chris Brademeyer is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #church