When Herod the tetrarch hears the miracles of Jesus, Herod believes John has been raised from the dead. The Evangelist recounts the story of how John was martyred, going back to his imprisonment for preaching God’s Word against Herod’s adultery. Although Herod has authority, everyone around him exercises power over him, from Herodias to Herodias’ daughter to the crowds. Although Herod cowardly puts John to death, the Word of God that John preached endures forever. John’s death points forward to Christ’s death, and Christ’s resurrection promises John’s resurrection.

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 14:1-12.

“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 discourse of parables by asking His disciples about their understanding. Their affirmative answer is true because they do believe in Jesus, even if their knowledge will still falter. Having been trained for the kingdom of heaven, Jesus makes His disciples true scribes who find the treasures of the Scriptures revealed in Him. Tragically, that does not take place when Jesus preaches in His hometown. The residents there falsely assume they know Jesus because they think they know His family. Because of this unbelief, Jesus does not do many mighty works there.

Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:51-58.

To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelsta.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 again tells two short parables with similar meaning. He compares God’s reign to someone who searches to find something very valuable, and when he finds it, he sells everything to buy it. While Christians should value God’s kingdom above all else, Jesus tells these two parables to teach us how He has in love given up all that is His to make us His own. This comforts the disciples of Jesus as they live now waiting for the close of the age when believers will be separated from unbelievers and God’s vindication of the righteous will be made manifest.

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL and Signal Hill Lutheran Church in Belleville, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:44-50.

To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethanylcms.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]

Through two short parables that use the images of a mustard seed and leaven, Jesus makes a similar point. Both a mustard seed and leaven are small and seem insignificant, yet over time, both bring substantial growth. In a similar way, God’s reign as King may seem insignificant right now in the ministry of Jesus, but the Lord promises that His reign will become a home for many people. Jesus’ parables bring about a fulfillment of God’s Word from Psalm 78.

Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:31-35.

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 tells the crowds another parable that uses the image of farming. A master sows good seed in his field, but an enemy sows weeds right on top of the good seed. When the servants ask about pulling the weeds, the master commands that both be left to grow until they are separated at the harvest. The disciples receive Jesus’ explanation of this parable privately, and He focuses their attention on the harvest, that is, the end of the age. At that time, the angels will separate the unrighteous from the righteous. Until that time, the Church is called to patient endurance and trust in Christ, the King.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Ministerial Formation at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.

“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]

When Jesus’ disciples ask Him why He is now speaking in the parables, Jesus explains that His parables both reveal and hide the truth. To the disciples, further revelation is given; to the crowds, the truth is given but remains hidden without faith. In this way, Jesus’ ministry to the crowds fulfills the call the LORD gave to Isaiah. Throughout Jesus’ teaching, the disciples remain blessed, for they are seeing and hearing the fulfillment of the Scriptures.

Rev. Mark Barz, campus chaplain at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:10-17.

“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 boards a boat on the Sea of Galilee to begin His third great discourse in the Gospel according to St. Matthew. As He speaks to the crowds in parables, He uses stories from everyday life to teach how God is reigning as King. The story of the sower includes the unusual detail that this sower casts his seed even in unfruitful places. Through the parable, Jesus reveals to His disciples various ways that the Word of God is heard and encourages them to proclaim that Word persistently.

Rev. Jared Nies, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.

To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran, 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]

Although Jesus has just healed a demon-possessed man, some scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for another sign. Jesus refuses to give any sign except the sign of Jonah— that is, Jesus’ own death and resurrection. He warns His opponents of further rejection of His work. To do so is to invite further demonic oppression. When some of Jesus’ family come looking for Him, He reminds those listening that His family is first and foremost defined by faith in 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 12:38-50.

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 withdraws from those who are ready to destroy Him because the hour of His death has not yet come. After He heals a demon-oppressed man, the Pharisees renew their claim that Jesus casts out demons by the prince of demons. Jesus points out the error of their logic and proclaims that He has come as the One who binds Satan and rescues people from the devil’s deadly domain. Those who persistently reject this Gospel reject the Holy Spirit’s work of salvation for them; their words are the fruit that give evidence of what is in their hearts.

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 12:15-37.

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]

The Pharisees question Jesus for allowing His disciples to pluck heads of grain on the Sabbath, accusing Him of allowing work on the day of rest. Jesus makes it plain from the Scriptures that He is the Lord of the Sabbath, and His disciples are keeping the commandment by being with Him. As Jesus enters a synagogue, His enemies challenge Him concerning healing on the Sabbath. Jesus does the proper work by restoring His creation from the effects of sin.

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 12:1-14.

To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran in Lawrence, 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]