Jesus continues to bring God’s kingdom by teaching, preaching, and healing. He does not see the crowds with anger, but with compassion, for He has come as the Good Shepherd for sinners. In that compassion, Jesus tells His disciples to pray that the Lord would send laborers to work in His plentiful harvest. In answer to that prayer, He sends His twelve apostles with His authority to preach and to heal.

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 9:35-10:4.

To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran in Oakmont, visit redeemer-oakmont.org.

“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]