The sermon this Easter morning is based on the discovery of the empty tomb. You will see thatthough the sinner embarks on many a foolish journey, the Gospel reveals God’s desire to ever guideyou to and by the forgiveness and grace found in the Risen Lord. Again, from Mark’s Gospel: “Theangel said to the women: ‘Be not affrighted! Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified. He isrisen! He is not here!’” O Risen Lord, bless Thy Word that we may trust in Thee. Amen.

Behold Christ cursed instead of us

Ironic, isn’t it? Irony is an outcome that is the opposite of what you might expect. Wewouldn’t expect a little child to teach a preacher of God’s Word a lesson about such a basicmatter of faith—and yet, that’s exactly what happened! My niece was a good example of whatJesus means when He spoke about us having absolute trust in Him and receiving the kingdomof God “like a little child” (Luke 18:17). In fact, incidents like this have happened many othertimes in the lives of pastors, teachers, and parents. It even happened in the incident we arelooking at in our sermon text for this Palm Sunday. Today we will be considering the irony inthe question Jesus’ enemies asked: Do you hear what these children are saying?

There’s a storm on the horizon—it is coming. This storm will either bring destruction orsalvation, fire and judgment or healing. What will be the determining factor? Fear. The kind thattrembles and trusts.

We shake our heads when we see politicians rail against corruption, only to have theirown scandals exposed. But before we nod in agreement, let’s ask ourselves—what’s in ourcloset? What sins do we ignore in ourselves while we cry out for justice against others? Thiswas the spiritual blindness of Malachi’s time, and it’s a warning for us tod

Have you ever considered how your relationship with your spouse affects yourrelationship with God? Marriage was one of God’s last creations and one of His greatest giftsto humankind. As our text states, it is a holy institution which God loves.

For Lent we are letting Malachi prepare us for Christ's passion.

Let me ask you—is the temple of your heartand the worship of your heart ready? Is it ready for Palm Sunday, to cry outwith a true heart, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes inthe name of the Lord”? Is it ready to stand at the foot of the cross with abroken and contrite heart, sorrowing over the extent of our sinfulness andmarveling at the extent of His love? Is it ready to hurry with Peter and Johnto the tomb and see it is empty, for He is not there—He is risen, as He said?

Lent should get us ready for that. The Lordwhom we seek, even the Messenger of the Covenant in whom we delight, is coming.Each week of Lent, we will look at a different section of Malachi to prepareour hearts to offer true worship to His name.

Our sermon for Transfiguration Sunday is by

Pastor Nathan Pfeiffer

Berea Ev. Lutheran Church

Inver Grove Heights, MN