➡️ 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.

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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.

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In Matthew 10, Jesus sends his disciples "as sheep among wolves" and tells them to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

But what does this actually mean?

Being "wise as serpents" means:

✓ Having "street smarts" and understanding how the world really works

✓ Recognizing the cruelty and dangers of a broken world

✓ Knowing when to speak up and when to remain silent

✓ Being prepared for persecution when you stand for your faith

But Jesus balances this with "innocent as doves," which means:

☑️ Maintaining your integrity even in difficult situations

☑️ Acting with kindness, gentleness, and vulnerability

☑️ Remembering your identity in Christ first and foremost

☑️ Not becoming the very thing you're fighting against

This isn't permission to lie or manipulate others "for a good cause." Instead, it's wisdom to navigate a fallen world while holding onto who you truly are in Christ.

In practice, this might mean:

→ Speaking truth with kindness rather than harshness

→ Waiting for the right moment to address difficult situations

→ Putting the best construction on others' words and actions (8th Commandment)

→ Being self-aware of both your surroundings and your own sinful tendencies

Remember: The world can be harsh and unfair, but you don't have to play by its rules.

In Christ, we have the wisdom to see clearly and the grace to remain gentle in a world that often rewards neither.

Your baptismal identity is stronger than the world's games of power, money, and status.

 You're forgiven. You're in Christ. You have the truth.

Contributor Matt Richard is Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND.

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

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Life issues in Genesis 15

When Genesis 15 opens, Abram faces a moment of deep uncertainty.

God promised him descendants, land, and a savior — yet none have materialized.

Sarah remains unable to conceive, and Abram's inheritance seems destined for his servant Eleazar.

His heart cries out: "God, what are you doing? You've given me no offspring!"

But notice something beautiful here — Abram's doubt doesn't reflect weak faith, but rather a faith strong enough to wrestle honestly with God.

Doubt isn't the absence of faith; it's being "double-minded" — believing God's promise while simultaneously seeing a reality that doesn't match.

We can feel like this, too — when illness lingers, when brokenness remains — we believe God's promises, yet our pain speaks a different story.

God meets Abram's doubt not with rebuke but with a profound act of grace and reassurance.

He takes him outside to look at the stars, promising descendants too numerous to count.

But God does more—He provides something tangible.

Through an ancient covenant ceremony, where normally both parties would walk between cut up animals, only God passes through as a smoking fire pot and flaming torch.

God essentially says: "These promises rest entirely on My shoulders. I will carry this or this is what will happen to me."

God still uses tangible means to bring his promises to us — through His Word joined to physical elements in the sacraments — at the communion rail and in the waters of baptism.

Like Abram, we can trust that God is working, your story can only end one way—the way He promised.

Contributor Michelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life.

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

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #genesis

In Genesis 14, we find a story about war ⚔️ and rescue 🛡️.

Several kings 👑 attack other kingdoms because they didn't pay their taxes.

During this conflict, Lot (Abram's nephew) and his family are captured ⛓️.

When Abram hears about this, he gathers 318 of his men and launches a rescue mission 🏹.

They surround the enemy camp at night and free all the captives 🎉.

Though war isn't life-affirming and causes death, sometimes it's necessary to protect life.

Being a soldier isn’t a sin, but if you struggle with the weight of it, remember: Jesus came to rescue you, too ✝️.

After the battle, Abram meets a mysterious king and priest named Melchizedek 🤴.

He brings out bread 🍞 and wine 🍷 and blesses Abram.

Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness,” and he rules in Salem, which means peace ☮️. (Salem later becomes Jerusalem 🏰.)

Jesus is the true King of Righteousness, the Prince of Peace, who gives us bread and wine in communion — His body and blood — for the forgiveness of sins.

Your hope, even in the mess of life, is knowing that Christ holds you because the greatest battle was already fought — and won — on the cross ✝️for you.

And just like Abram met Melchizedek after his battle, you meet Jesus, your true King, who gives you everything you need — forgiveness, peace, and eternal life 🌟.

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

Contributor Michelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life.

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In John 10:10, Jesus says, "I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly." ✨ But what does that actually mean? 🤔

If life is supposed to be abundant, why does it sometimes feel so hard? 😔

Jesus doesn’t ignore the fact that there’s evil in the world. 💔 In the same verse, He warns about thieves who come to steal, kill, and destroy. 🏴‍☠️

But He also promises that He is the Good Shepherd, 🐑💖 the one who lays down His life for His sheep — that’s you and me. 🙌

So what does abundant life look like? 🤷‍♂️ It’s not about having an easy, problem-free existence. 🚫 Jesus never promised that.

Instead, abundant life means that even when you face struggles, pain, and doubts, ⛰️ you are never alone. 🤝 You belong to Him. 💙

Your life is so secure in Jesus that nothing — not sin, not suffering, not even death — can take it away. ✝️🔒

The church isn’t perfect; it’s full of sinners, hypocrites, and yes, even thieves and robbers. 😬⛪ But that doesn’t mean Jesus has abandoned it.

In fact, the presence of opposition only confirms that we are in the right place. 🎯🔥

The Good Shepherd is still here, speaking to us, 📖 carrying us when we fall, 🤗 and feeding us with His grace. 🍞

Abundant life isn’t about worldly success. 💰🚗🏡 It’s about knowing that Jesus died and rose for you. ✝️🌅

It’s about hope that can’t be stolen and a love that never runs out. 💛✨

No matter how dark things seem, 🌑 the Good Shepherd hasn’t left. ❤️

He’s right here, offering you life that even death can’t take away. 🎉

That’s real abundance. 🙌💖

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

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Let's talk about self-hatred. 😔💭

It’s something we all deal with at some point.

When battling self-hatred, it’s easy to get caught in an endless cycle of thinking about ourselves. 🔄 (The same goes with too much self-love.)

We know our mistakes and secrets better than anyone, and we assume if others knew everything, they'd hate us, too. 💔

But here's the truth: some people know us better than you realize, and they still love us. ❤️

More importantly, God knows everything about us — even things we haven't done yet — and chooses to love us anyway. ✝️💖

Remember C.S. Lewis's wisdom: "True humility isn't thinking less of yourself. It's thinking of yourself less." 🧠✨

Both excessive self-love and self-hatred keep us focused on ourselves rather than on God and others. 🙏

When self-hatred flares up, here are some things that might help:

✔️ Recognize your identity comes from outside yourself.

God calls you His beloved child. 👑💙

✔️ You're not allowed to hate what God loves, and He says you're worthy of love because Jesus paid for that love with His precious blood. 💞🩸

✔️ Talk to someone.

Don't hide your feelings. Talk to friends, parents, or pastors who can remind you of God's grace. 🗣️🤝

✔️ Seek confession and absolution.

There's a comfort in hearing someone say, "Jesus died for that. You're still loved." ✝️🤍

✔️ Look for the good God works through you.

 God not only loves you, calls you worthy of love, but then He does things worth loving through you. 🌱✨

Self-hatred is a daily battle because we sin daily, but remember this truth daily — God says you’re worthy of love and you are worth more than gold and silver. 💰💖 You are worth the precious blood He shed for you. 🩸🙏

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

Contributor Amelia is a college student and HT’s assistant webmaster.

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