Lutheran Reflections

In this episode, we look at the Gospel reading for Thanksgiving, which is Luke 17:11-19. In this passage, Jesus heals ten lepers, however only one (a Samaritan) returned to Thank him. What does Martin Luther have to say about this passage, and how does it relate to the preceding verses?

In this episode, we look at Matthew 25:14-30, where Jesus tells his disciples the Parable of the Talents. How did the church fathers understand this parable, and what lessons are we meant to glean from it? How can we best use the things that have been entrusted to us to serve our neighbor and the Church?

As the church year starts to wind down, we turn our attention to Christ's second coming. Tonight, we look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, where we are told, "then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." Does this verse teach that there will be a rapture? What does Lutheranism teach about the end times?

In this All Saints Day episode, we look at 1 John 3:1-3. Why does the lectionary assign this reading for All Saints Day? What does it mean to be God's Children, and how is it that "everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure"?

In this year's Reformation Day episode, we look at John 8:31-38, where Jesus says, "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." In what way is this message particularly applicable for Reformation Day? How does our culture understand truth compared to the Biblical understanding?

In this episode, we look at Luke 10:1-9, where Jesus says, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." Who are these laborers in the modern day Church? What instructions does Jesus have for the disciples he sends in this reading, and what can we learn from them?

In this episode, we look at Matthew 22:1-14, where we are told "many are called, but few are chosen." What can this parable teach us about the doctrine of election? What is the significance of the wedding garment in verses 11 and 12, and what does it mean to be "clothed in Christ?"

In our 100th episode, we look at Philippians 3:4-14, where Paul says, "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." Like Paul, Martin Luther famously counted his personal righteousness under the law as loss for the sake of Christ. In what ways do we often use religiosity as a kind of "righteousness under the law," and what is true religion according to Scripture?

In this year's Michaelmas episode, we look at Revelation 12:7-12 and discuss how this passage has been misinterpreted in the past. Is this narrative purely allegorical? Does "Michael" symbolize Christ in verse 7? Is this event describing Satan's initial fall from heaven?

When Jesus called Matthew, the Pharisees asked, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Looking to Jesus as an example, how are Christians supposed to relate to non-believers? How can Christians make a bold confession against sin while not alienating the lost?