Grace on Tap

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Martin Luther’s Gospel study for the Second Sunday in Advent. The Gospel lesson studied is Luke 21:25-33. How do we look ahead with hope and confidence to the Last Days? Luther invites us to look forward with grace to the last days.

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Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner explore Dr. Martin Luther’s Winter Postil – Second Sunday in Advent Gospel (Part 1)

“Grace on Tap,” is a podcast that delves into the heart of Reformation theology, particularly focusing on the teachings of Martin Luther. We hope to provide a fresh and engaging approach as we tackle complex theological concepts, making them accessible to seasoned theologians and those new to the subject. We do this all over a nice cold beer that we review.

Martin Luther’s Winter Postil is a collection of his commentaries on the assigned lectionary readings for the church. The episode centers around Luther’s teachings on the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday in Advent, a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Luther’s Postil was a significant work during the Reformation. These textual commentaries were aimed at providing guidance and understanding to clergy and laity alike. Luther’s lucid explanations of biblical texts were instrumental in shaping Protestant theology and remain relevant today. Concordia Publishing House details the significance of Luther’s Postils: “Martin Luther’s collected sermons for the church year were originally published in two series: the Church Postil and the House Postil. These were among his most popular works. Aside from his catechisms, they did more to teach people about the Reformation than any other book. Volume 75 gives the sermons on the Epistle and Gospel readings from Advent through Christmastide in fresh, clear English. “

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In this edition, Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley delve into the fourth part of their series on Martin Luther’s “Postil,” where they explore Luther’s sermon on the Gospel reading for the First Sunday in Advent. Join us as we uncover the rich teachings embedded within Luther’s sermon commentary and discover their relevance to our lives today.

The Gospel reading for the First Sunday in Advent is from Matthew 21:1-9, recounting Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. Luther, renowned for his focus on scriptural exegesis, proceeds to dissect the passage, unearthing profound truths within its verses.

Luther emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ choice to ride on a donkey, showcasing his humility and servanthood. We underscore how this act aligns with Jesus’ entire ministry, wherein he consistently prioritized selflessness and compassion for others. We stress the importance of emulating this humility in our own lives, reminding us that true greatness lies in our willingness to serve and love one another.

Furthermore, Luther unveils the dual nature of Jesus’ kingship. While riding on a lowly donkey signifies humility, it is simultaneously an assertion of his divine authority. As the people welcome Jesus with shouts of “Hosanna!” and waving palm branches, they acknowledge him as their king and savior. Jesus transcends worldly power and seeks to bring salvation to all who believe.

Luther’s words have relevance to our lives. We underscore the timeless nature of the themes addressed: humility and kingship. Just as Jesus humbly served, we are called to follow his example by serving others with selflessness and love.

Simultaneously, we are reminded of the spiritual kingship of Jesus, which offers salvation and hope. Jesus reigns in our lives and we can surrender to his kingship more fully.

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In this episode of the “Grace on Tap” podcast, the Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue their series on Martin Luther’s “Postil,” a collection of text commentaries he gave on the Bible readings throughout the liturgical year. Specifically, they focus on Luther’s sermon on the Gospel reading for the First Sunday in Advent.

The hosts begin by discussing the context in which Luther gave this sermon, including the political and religious climate of the time. They also note that Luther’s approach to preaching was to focus on the text itself, rather than relying on rhetorical flourishes or personal anecdotes.

The Gospel reading for the First Sunday in Advent is from Matthew 21:1-9, which describes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. Luther begins his commentary by explaining the significance of this event, which was the fulfillment of a prophecy from Zechariah 9:9.

Luther then explores the themes of humility and kingship in the passage. He emphasizes that Jesus did not enter Jerusalem in a grand chariot or on a mighty steed, but instead chose a humble donkey. This was a deliberate choice on Jesus’ part, as it symbolized his humility and his mission to serve others.

At the same time, however, Luther notes that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was also an assertion of his kingship. The people who greeted him with palm branches and cries of “Hosanna!” acknowledged him as their king and savior. Luther emphasizes that this kingship is not one of worldly power or domination, but rather a spiritual kingship that brings salvation to all who believe.

The hosts then discuss how Luther’s sermon can be applied to today’s lives. They note that the themes of humility and kingship are just as relevant now as they were in Luther’s time. We are called to follow Jesus’ example of humble service, even as we acknowledge him as our king and savior.

(Episode summary was provided by ChatGPT)

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Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley continue a discussion on Dr. Martin Luther’s Church Postil commentary on the Gospel lesson for the First Sunday of Advent – The Palm Sunday entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem.

Martin Luther challenges the listener to hear how the mission of the church is shaped by how Jesus entered into Jerusalem. The king is coming gentle and riding on a beast of burden, carrying your burdens. The reason this king is coming is to lead you into the kingdom of God.

Our beer break features a beer from Drafting Table Brewing Company in Wixom, Michigan.

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Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Dr. Martin Luther’s verse by verse commentary in his Church Postil. A postil is a commentary that is published to help preachers. Episodes 68-71 cover the material that Luther writes about Matthew 21:1-11. This commentary is located in Luther’s Works, Volume 75. Luther believed that common pastors and people would find his commentary to be a great devotional book for the Reformation.

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Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Dr. Martin Luther’s sermon commentary on the Epistle Lesson for the First Sunday in Advent. This commentary is found in Luther’s Works Volume 75, Church Postil I. Romans 13:11-14 provides a jumping off point for Luther to talk about the exhortation to do good works since you are no longer in darkness. The exhortation to do good works is rooted in the promise that you are now in the daytime of the gospel.

This epistles teaches how a Christian life should be conducted bodily and outwardly on earth among people. People of faith no longer live in darkness but we are awakened by the Gospel.

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Dr. Martin Luther collected sermons for the one year lectionary into a publication called a Postil. The sermons were originally published as an aide for pastors in preparing their own sermons. The sermon preparations illustrate how Luther identified the gospel in the Scripture and how he believed it should be shared in a way that the common person can understand it.

Luther’s Works, American Edition, vol. 75 (Church Postil I)

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In 1521, Luther published his commentary to the Magnificat found in Luke 1:46-55. This commentary was written for the narrow audience of Prince John Frederick and for the wider audience of all people who seek to use wisdom, power, and riches in God pleasing ways. You can find this commentary in Luther’s Works Volume 21. In 2023, Sola Publishing is providing a Bible study on the Magnificat written by Mike Yagley.

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Dr. Martin Luther’s commentary on Sermon on the Mount is from a revision of sermons that he preached, mostly on the Beatitudes. Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue their conversation, begun in Episode 63, about how Dr. Luther uses the Beatitudes as an opportunity to affirm the priesthood of all believers. Each of us in our godly vocations care called by God to be active in our righteousness toward others. You can find this commentary by Dr. Luther in Volume 21 of Luther’s Works. Our next episode will be a study of Luther’s commentary on the Magnificat, which is also found in Volume 21.

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