December 26, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 23:34-39

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:22-26; 50:4-51:8, 12-16; Matthew 1:18-25

“Truly, I say to you all these things will come upon this generation” (Matthew 23:36)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

This text speaks about Jerusalem’s rejection of Christ. Prophets and wise men will come from God only to suffer death, a pattern history reveals in the examples of Abel and Zechariah the son of Barachiah, the latter being “murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.” Nevertheless, vindication will come. God’s justice will prevail when “righteous blood” falls upon those rejecting the grace of God. In God’s court, the murderers and persecuting unbelievers have no Advocate. The verdict is death for those despising the only Mediator between heaven and earth.

The target audience in Jesus’ teaching here plays a part in this prophecy when before Pilate they cry “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 24:25), a striking statement brimming with theological importance. Indeed, Jesus’ blood will atone for the entire world, even the ungodly. His justification for man fulfilled at the cross is universal, not partial and selective. Still, Jesus’ enemies boldly claim responsibility for His death. Killing the Messiah in raw defiance is blasphemy before the Lord of justice and mercy. “This generation” is Jesus’ designation of the wicked, the unbelievers, the enemies of God opposing prophet, disciple, and pastor because of their hatred of God. All things will come to pass according to the divine Word and “this generation” is no exception to God’s judgment.

This is a sad narrative of Jesus’ lament for His children. After everything He did for His people, the result was rejection. Jesus’ words “you were not willing” place the onus square on the sinner, not God. Unbelief resides in the flesh of man to look at God’s promise to gather us as the hen gathers her brood under her wings and say “no.” Such rejection and the persecution of God’s people will continue until the Last Day. Baptized believers live with no delusion of grandeur that life will be easy for the Church. This text teaches us what’s in store for the Church of God as she makes her pilgrimage in this life fraught with difficulty and trial. Still, The Lord is merciful to gather us under His wing, to grant His people protection and peace; to confirm for us His promise of salvation at His glorious return when every knee shall bow and confess before the Lord of glory Who keeps his Word. Just as judgment comes to pass, so does Jesus’ promise to save.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord, grant your Church steadfast faith to endure persecution and find comfort and hope in Your steadfast love that endures for all generations. Amen.

Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.