March 1, 2024

Today's Reading: Mark 8:1-21

Daily Lectionary: Genesis. 24:32-52, 61-67; Genesis 25:1-26:35; 

Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? (Mark 8:18)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There were numerous signs pointing to Jesus being the long-awaited Messiah. It always baffles me that they couldn’t see and they couldn’t hear; they were blinded by their own self-righteousness. Of course, on this side of the Resurrection we can see the signs clearly. Here Jesus points to twelve and seven loaves. Numbers with great significance for Israel, twelve being the twelve tribes, and seven being a number of completion and fulfillment. Yet, these Pharisees do not see what is before them, but you do. 

This Jesus at the end of Lent would bring about the fulfillment of the Scriptures. He would go to the cross, where He would be smitten, stricken, and afflicted. He would pour out His blood on the cross like a lamb led to the slaughter. He would be mocked, yet no objection would leave His mouth. There the sinless Son of God would take upon Himself the sin of the world. Not only does He fulfill the prophets, but He would fulfill the promise God made to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 and He would crush the head of Satan, and He would slam the door closed on death and open wide the graves. As we walk towards Holy Week, this remains at the center. Jesus Christ, the true Son of God, the one whom the prophets speak, is the Messiah in which all things find fulfillment and completion, including you.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, see Him dying on the tree! 'Tis the Christ by man rejected;

yes, my soul, 'tis He, 'tis He! 'Tis the long-expected Prophet, David's Son, yet David's Lord;

by His Son God now has spoken; 'tis the true and faithful Word.  (LSB 451:1)

- Pastor Caleb Weight is associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.