When Jesus enters Peter’s house in Capernaum, He heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and she begins to serve Him. As Jesus continues His ministry of healing, He fulfills the promise of the Lord from Isaiah 53, bearing our sicknesses. When Jesus commands that He will be going to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, a scribe declares that he will follow Jesus wherever He goes. Jesus warns the man that to follow Him is to journey the way of the cross. When a disciple tarries, the Lord gives instruction concerning the urgency of following Him.

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 8:14-22.

To learn more about St. Paul's in Cullman, visit stpaulscullman.com.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]