Jesus loved the disciples when they were in the world. Jesus loves us who are now in the world. And He loves us to the end. He loved us all the way to the cross. And He  shall love us until He comes in glory to judge the living and the dead.

“And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

Demons cannot tell us who Jesus really is.  Science cannot tell us who Jesus really is. Our emotions cannot tell us who Jesus really is.  Jesus cannot and will not be known in these ways. Look at how people try to get to heaven to know God, and, like the mythological Bellerophon, they come crashing to  earth.

Lord Jesus, You received the homage of those who did not understand what they  were saying and doing. You bore with them mercifully and with patience. Bear  with us, enlighten our minds, so that we might know that these things were  written about You and that these things were done to You for our salvation.  Amen.

Judas was sorry; but that’s not enough. Without the gospel, we men must despair like Judas because there is only death and hell for us. But through the gospel, we have a rich redemption from the great prison of sin.

DOES ABSOLUTION REMOVE EARTHLY CONSEQUENCES?

[Jesus said,] “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16

Thanks for listening!

See you at Church tonight!

O Lord, grant us faithful ministers who will exercise the Office of the Keys in Your Church according to Your will for the forgiveness of our sins. Amen