Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

The Pharisees and Herodians form an unlikely alliance during Holy Week in an effort to trap Jesus. They believe they have Him cornered with a question about the lawfulness of paying taxes to the Roman government. Jesus lures them into their own trap as they bring out a coin for the tax and admit whose likeness is on the coin. Jesus’ proverbial answer acknowledges Caesar’s place in God’s order, but more importantly teaches us to recognize God’s rule over us and every aspect of our lives.

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 22:15-22.

To learn more about Trinity in Colby, visit trinitycolby.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 yet a third parable to the religious leaders during Holy Week; this time He compares God’s reign in the world to a King who hosts a wedding feast for His Son. The religious leaders have made every excuse not to come to Jesus in faith, and they are preparing to kill Him as they have killed the prophets before Him. This brings about God’s judgment, but He will have His feast full. Those whom He invites must come on His terms, wearing the wedding garments of faith. To come in any other way is to invite the condemnation of the King.

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 22:1-14.

To learn more about Trinity in Millstadt, visit trinitymillstadt.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 religious leaders another parable set in a vineyard, drawing from the imagery of Isaiah 5. Like the tenants in the parable, the religious leaders have not produced the fruit God required, and they have instead mistreated God’s servants, the prophets. Now, they are on the verge of killing God’s own Son and bringing down upon themselves His judgment. Through this parable, Jesus proclaims Himself as the fulfillment of Psalm 118. Although the religious leaders recognize the parable is about them, they still refuse to believe.

Rev. Andrew Packer, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School in Collinsville, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 21:33-46.

To learn more about Good Shepherd in Collinsville, visit goodshepherdcollinsville.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]

As Jesus continues teaching in the temple in Holy Week, the religious leaders demand that Jesus state His authority for acting and speaking in the manner He does. Marvelously evading their trap, Jesus sets a trap of His own as He asks about the source of John’s baptism. When the religious leaders refuse to answer, Jesus refuses to answer their question directly. Instead, He begins a series of parables that shows the faithlessness of the religious leaders. Although they should have been sons of God, they have refused to listen to God by refusing the preaching of both John and Jesus, while notorious sinners have been welcomed into God’s kingdom for receiving their preaching joyfully.

Rev. Kale Hanson, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Bethalto, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 21:23-32.

To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit zionbethalto.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]

Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus goes to the temple, where He overturns tables and drives out moneychangers. What should have been Jesus’ house of prayer has become a den of robbers, stealing the mercy of God from His people. The blind and the lame come to Jesus to receive mercy from Him, despite the ongoing protests of the chief priests and scribes. A fig tree serves as Jesus’ object lesson for the coming judgment against all who put their hope in a building rather than trusting in the Word of God.

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 21:12-22.

To learn more about Holy Cross Lutheran, visit holycrosswarda.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]

Jesus enters Jerusalem according to His plan and purpose. He gives specific instructions to two disciples concerning His mount for His ride into Jerusalem. Jesus’ words are fulfilled, just as the Word of God from the Old Testament is fulfilled. Jesus comes as the humble King. The crowd overflows with exuberance to see Jesus enter Jerusalem in this way, and they welcome Him with joy. Although they may not have understood the full import of their words, they were right to sing Hosanna to Jesus as the Son of David. He has revealed Himself as more than a Prophet; He is the Savior!

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 21:1-11.

To learn more about St. Paul's in Paducah, visit stpaulpaducah.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 passes through Jericho as He nears Jerusalem. There, two blind men beg for mercy from Jesus because they see Him truly as the Son of David. When the crowd tries to silence the men, their prayers grow louder. Jesus asks the two men the same question He had asked the mother of the sons of Zebedee, and these two blind men ask for something Jesus has come to grant. He grants them physical sight, matching their spiritual sight. Unlike a previous healing, after this miracle, Jesus does not tell the men to be silent. As Holy Week draws near, the time has come for the world to see what it means that Jesus is the Son of David.

Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church and School in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 20:29-34.

“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 explicitly tells His disciples of His coming suffering, death, and resurrection for a third time. Even as He reveals more details about what will happen, the disciples’ misunderstanding only grows. James and John, along with their mother, ask Jesus for positions of worldly greatness. Jesus’ answer begins to reveal that the true greatness of His kingdom is found in the cross. When all the disciples join in misunderstanding, Jesus teaches them that life in His kingdom is great by way of service to others. This is true because of who Jesus is. He has served us sinners by sacrificing His life in place of ours.

Rev. Andy Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 20:17-28.

To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethany-lcms.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 reassures His disciples that following Him is worth it, both now and eternally. Yet the disciples dare never become prideful or forget that God reigns as King according to His grace. Jesus tells a parable about a master who hires workers for his vineyard throughout the day. When the time to pay the workers arrives, each of the workers receives the same wage. Those who worked the entire day feel cheated, yet the master reminds them of his great generosity. In a similar way, God has been generous in grace to us sinners by making us members of His kingdom. No matter how long we have been in the Church, and no matter how much work we have done for the Lord, we rejoice to belong to His kingdom by His grace alone.

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 19:27-20:16.

To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.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 will not allow His disciples to keep the little children away, because those who enter the kingdom come to Jesus precisely in the dependence and need of such little children. In that context, the rich young man exemplifies the completely wrong approach to Jesus. When this man assumes that his own goodness will earn eternal life, Jesus uses the Law, attempting to lead the man to despair of his own goodness and look instead to the goodness of God. When the man rejects Jesus’ Word, Jesus teaches His disciples that riches easily become a stumbling block to entering God’s kingdom. Although it is impossible for man to enter salvation by his strength, God has done the impossible by saving sinners.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 19:13-26.

To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.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]