1️⃣ Jesus predicts his dying and rising. ⚰️🌅

 Did you know that Jesus told his disciples that he would die and rise? 😮 

One of those predictions happens right here.👇

The disciples don't get it. 🤔 

They've seen Jesus raise people from the dead, but they've never seen someone raise themself. 🧟‍♂️ 

Why is Jesus so secretive about their journey through Galilee? 🤫 

The Uncultured Saints have some ideas . . . 💡 

Jesus is moving away from the individual miracles  ✨ to the world changing miracle of the cross to solve our biggest problem and sickness — our sin. ✝️🌍

2️⃣ The disciples then get into a funny argument about which of them is the greatest. 🏆 

Jesus puts in front of them a person who is the most helpless, can accomplish the least, and is the most needy — a child. 👶 

And he says: "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me." 🤗 

This was at a time when children were seen as a tax on resources, they died young, and they were seen and not heard. 😔 

If we want to receive the kingdom of God, we must receive it as little children — as completely utterly helpless individuals who can't lift a finger to save ourselves. 🙏

3️⃣ John wants to stop others from casting out demons. 😈🚫 

Jesus tells John to simmer down. Why? 🤔 

They aren't doing it in their own name, but in the name of Jesus. ✨ 

This brings up questions about the church . . . ⛪ 

If anyone can do the work of Christ, then why do we need pastors? 🧑‍🍳 

Questions to ask:

✔️Is the person preaching the true word of God? 📖

✔️ Is he administering the sacraments according to God's institution? 🍷🍞

4️⃣ Jesus says to cut off your hand if it causes you to sin. ✋🔪

 Is Jesus being literal here? 🤨 

This is about excommunication.🚪 

If there is somebody in the church who is dragging the rest of the church to hell through unbelief, it would be better that the person be cut off. ⚔️

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

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #biblestudy