Just as Jesus said, one of His own twelve disciples delivers Him into the hands of those who desire to kill Him. In an awful irony, Judas uses a sign of greatest affection for the deepest betrayal. Although divine deliverance is only a prayer away for Jesus, He goes to His arrest willingly. He tells His disciples to put their swords away, and He reminds the crowds of His innocence. As Jesus is led away to trial and the disciples scatter, all that must take place happens in accordance with the Scriptures.

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:47-56.

To learn more about St. Michael's Lutheran, visit stmichaelswinchester.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]

Jesus heads to the Mount of Olives with singing. There, He forthrightly tells His disciples what is about to happen to Him and to them, all in fulfillment of the Scriptures. In Gethsemane, Jesus prays to His Father knowing exactly what He is about to face, yet He does so in obedience to the Father’s will. Although Peter, James, and John cannot stay awake and pray with Jesus, the Lord continues resolutely toward His suffering and death.

Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:30-46.

To learn more about Our Savior in Grand Rapids, visit oursavior-gr.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]

Jesus observes His Passover with His family. He instructs His disciples to make the necessary preparations for the meal that He will bring to fulfillment. As He eats with His disciples, Jesus tells His disciples that one of them will hand Him over. Judas’ own words reveal him as the betrayer. Nonetheless, Jesus remains focused on the gifts that He has come to give. He brings the Passover meal to fulfillment by giving the Holy Supper of His body and His blood to His disciples.

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:17-29.

To learn more about Calvary Evangelical, visit calvarymechanicsburg.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]

Jesus continues to move resolutely toward His crucifixion. Although the chief priests and elders believe they are accomplishing their plan, Jesus' suffering and death is truly the Father's will for the salvation of sinners. A woman who anoints Jesus with expensive ointment receives scorn from the disciples, but Jesus teaches them that her action has shown that His suffering, death, and burial truly is valuable and beautiful. Judas, however, does not believe. He places a paltry value on Jesus and agrees to betray the Lord. Nonetheless, God's will goes forward unthwarted.

Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:1-16.

To learn more about Memorial Lutheran, visit mlchouston.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]

Jesus concludes His Olivette Discourse by describing His coming again in glory on the Last Day as a shepherd who separates sheep from goats. The sheep are His righteous ones. They are righteous because they have been blessed by the Father from the foundation of the world, and that righteousness was seen by the way they received Jesus by receiving His messengers. On the other hand, the goats are the unrighteous. They receive condemnation not because Jesus has chosen them for damnation, but because they have chosen it for themselves. That reality was made evident in the way they did not receive Jesus by rejecting His messengers. Jesus' teaching in this section invites all hearers of the Word to consider the way they receive the messengers of Jesus, so that they would rightly receive Him.

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crawford, NE and Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrison, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 25:31-46.

To learn more about Bethlehem and Redeemer Evangelical, visit belccrawford.org and relcharrison.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]

Jesus' parable of the talents teaches His people how to live faithfully now awaiting His return. God gives to His children according to their ability. Because His gifts come from His love, the proper response is to put those gifts to work in faithfulness to God, knowing that He is our loving Master whose gifts always bear fruit. The third servant in the parable illustrates the faithlessness of inaction. This servant's wickedness is revealed in his wrong faith toward his master. Because this servant does not know his master truly, he simply buries the master's property. However, when we trust in God as the loving Father He truly is, we steward His gifts faithfully now, awaiting His commendation on the Last Day.

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 25:14-30.

“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]

Jesus tells a parable that illustrates what it means for His Church to always watch for the unknown day and hour of His return. He tells a story of ten virgins whose role is to greet the bridegroom's arrival. Five are wise by having oil to keep their lamps lit when the bridegroom arrives later than they had anticipated. Five are foolish, for their lack of oil leaves them far away when the bridegroom enters his feast. With the door locked, it is now too late for these foolish ones to enter. By this parable, Jesus teaches His Church that constant readiness for His return comes through the wisdom of hearing, believing, and putting into practice His Words. When we approach the Last Day through this faith by grace, that Day is a Day of great joy!

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 25:1-13.

To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit Redeemer-Lawrence.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]

After answering the disciples' first question concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus now turns to answer the disciples' second question concerning His coming in glory. Jesus is direct. No one knows the day or the hour. Those who attempt to predict the date reveal themselves to be false teachers. Instead, Jesus compares His second coming to the suddenness of the flood in the days of Noah. Thus, Jesus calls all men to watch and be ready through faith. As we watch for our Lord's return, He teaches us to live with wisdom as His faithful servants. In this way, we approach the Last Day not with the terror of unbelief but with the joy of faith.

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 24:36-51.

To learn more about Village Lutheran, visit villagelutheranchurch.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]

Jesus reiterates the importance of watching out for false teachers in the days leading up to the fall of Jerusalem. No false teacher will be needed to add to anything Jesus has said concerning the imminence of the temple's destruction. Jesus describes those days surrounding Jerusalem's fall with apocalyptic language reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets. The day of the LORD that came upon Jerusalem in AD 70 does foreshadow Christ's second coming, yet the destruction of the temple was not the end of the world. Even as created things pass away as we wait for the Last Day, Jesus gives us the confidence that His Words endure forever.

Rev. Jared Nies, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 24:23-35.

To learn more about St. Paul's in Lapeer, visit stpaul-lapeer.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]

The disciples ask Jesus two questions that prompt His last great discourse in the Gospel according to St. Matthew. They want to know when Jerusalem will be destroyed, and they want to know what sign will announce His second coming. Jesus answers both questions in order, careful not to allow the disciples to conflate the two events. This text speaks about the fall of Jerusalem. Jesus warns His disciples to stay alert through wars and disasters. Through persecution, they must endure in proclaiming the Gospel. When they see the abomination of desolation in the temple, they must flee from Jerusalem, knowing that God is working, even then, for the sake of His elect.

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 24:3-22.

To learn more about Trinity in Atchison, visit trinityatchison.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]