Today, I reflected on Jesus’ hard words about hating family, bearing the cross, and renouncing all we have. At first, they sound impossible—almost like disqualifications for discipleship. But Jesus isn’t telling us how to earn salvation; He’s warning us not to let anything stand in the way of following Him. Like those in His parable who made excuses about property and family, we too can let “later” become never. Yet Jesus counted the cost and bore the cross for us, securing our life with Him. So He calls us to keep the end in mind—eternal life with Him—and live wisely now. In Word, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper, He strengthens us to bear our crosses, trust His promises, and follow Him all the way home.

Today, I reflected on how Jesus turns the tables on what it means to be honored. At the Pharisee’s banquet, people fought for the best seats, but Jesus chose the place of the outcast and welcomed a man with dropsy, healing him and giving him dignity. That is what He does for us, too. Our sin disfigures us, but Jesus opens the door, forgives us, and gives us a seat of honor at His table. In His kingdom, the last are first, the humble are lifted up, and the unworthy are made worthy. His feast is not about status but grace—a joy shared with sinners, saints, and all the company of heaven. And because He has welcomed us, we are now free to welcome and serve others with the same love.

Today, I reflected on the disciples’ argument about who was the greatest, even after Jesus had given them His Supper. Jesus reminded them—and us—that greatness in His kingdom is not about status, but service. That truth comes alive in the story of St. Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, whose very name means “gift of God.” Though not among the most famous apostles, he shows us that our worth doesn’t come from ranking higher than others, but from God’s grace. Jesus enters our ruts of sin, dies in them, and raises us to new life in baptism. Like Bartholomew, we are called not to measure ourselves by the world’s standards, but to live as God’s children—His precious gifts, redeemed and lifted up by Christ.

Today, I reflected on Jesus’ hard words about casting fire on the earth. At first, they can sound harsh—even off-putting—but they reveal the truth about a world already burning with sin and brokenness. Jesus doesn’t come to ignore the flames but to fight fire with fire, taking the blaze of God’s wrath upon Himself at the cross so that we are saved. His work may bring division, even in families, but it also brings true peace—peace in forgiveness and new life. Whether this is your first time in church or you’ve been here for years, the message is the same: look to Jesus. In Him, the fire that consumes becomes the fire that purifies, and the cross becomes the place where life truly begins.

Building on the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus teaches that life is more than possessions and that anxiety over material needs is unnecessary for those who know God as Father. Just as He feeds the ravens and clothes the lilies, He will surely care for His children—so much so that He gave His only Son for them. Our work, then, is not merely for personal gain but a way God provides for others and us. Freed from the idolatry of wealth and the burden of anxiety, we can live as little children—trusting, serving, and seeking God’s kingdom first—confident that our Father will provide all we need for body and soul.

In this episode, we reflect on a powerful moment when a man asks Jesus to divide an inheritance, revealing how easily worldly desires can overshadow eternal truths. The message warns against covetousness and idolatry—when we chase things that ultimately leave us spiritually empty, like drinking salt water that only increases thirst. Jesus invites us instead to seek heavenly treasures—His forgiveness, life, and glory—freely given to us as His inheritance. The call is to live not for self, but for others: forgiving, loving, serving, and sharing the riches of Christ. Because in the end, those who live in Him die truly rich.

When the disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray,” they weren’t just asking for words—they were asking to be drawn deeper into relationship with God. Though they knew the traditions of prayer, they longed for what Jesus had: intimacy with the Father. Jesus responds by teaching them the Lord’s Prayer, beginning with the powerful word “Father”—a reminder that we pray not as strangers, but as beloved children. This relationship changes how we pray and live. Jesus encourages persistent prayer, not because God is reluctant, but because He is eager to give. We are called to pray boldly, for ourselves and for others, trusting in God’s good gifts—especially His greatest: His Son and the Holy Spirit. In a world full of empty promises, God gives us real gifts: forgiveness, life, and salvation. So we pray, receive, and live as His children—now and forever.

Today’s message reflects on the story of Mary and Martha, highlighting how Jesus gently redirects Martha—not because of her serving, but because of the division it caused. Mary had chosen the “good portion”: sitting at Jesus’ feet to receive His Word. That same Word speaks life, peace, and forgiveness to us today. Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve—and to heal the brokenness sin causes, including the divisions in our hearts and relationships. In the midst of anxiety, criticism, or grief, He calls us back to Himself. The one thing necessary is not our doing, but receiving His love, mercy, and grace. That’s the good portion, and it will not be taken away.

In today’s message, I reflected on Jesus sending out the seventy-two—ordinary people, sent with nothing but His Word, and yet they returned full of joy. Why? Because even the demons couldn’t stand against the power of Jesus’ name. That mission wasn’t just about then—it’s about now. Jesus still sends us out into a world full of wolves with the truth that changes everything: the cross. We might feel weak, like nothings, but the cross shows we are not. In Jesus, we’re forgiven, we’re beloved, we’re something. Satan wants us deceived—either puffed up with pride or crushed with despair. But the cross stops the spinning and anchors us in truth. Your name is written in heaven. That’s the victory. That’s the joy. And that’s what we proclaim—wherever we go.

In this episode, I reflect on the life and faith of Carris, a beloved member of our church who recently joined that great multitude in heaven. Though his earthly life ended, Carris was prepared—clothed in Christ from baptism, praising God with his voice and life until the very end. What comfort and confidence we have knowing that, just as Jesus kept every promise to Carris, He will keep them for us too. Carris didn’t just believe in a Savior—he believed in the Savior who conquered death through the cross. Even as his body weakened, his faith grew strong, nourished by Jesus’ Word and Sacrament. We grieve, but we rejoice too—because for Carris, to die was gain. And in Jesus, the same promise of life is ours.