Rev. Eric Moquin, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Sherwood, OH joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 28:1-15.

Alleluia, Christ is Risen; He is Risen indeed, Alleluia! The walk to the tomb was filled with grief, but after the angel’s message and the proof of an empty tomb they quickly left with great joy. Jesus met them on the road and said words of peace, “Do not be afraid.” There will always be a message that tries to counter the truth of His resurrection, but we cling to the promises that in fact, Christ has been risen from the dead, therefore nothing shall separate us from His love. “If Christ had not been raised from death; Our faith would be in vain; Our preaching but a waste of breath, our sin and guilt remain; But now the LORD is ris’n indeed; He rules in earth and heav’n; His Gospel meets a world of need—In Christ we are forgiv’n.” (Lutheran Service Book 486, "If Christ Had Not Raised from the Dead").

Rev. Tom Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 27:45-66.

The cross does the talking. By the cross we see the perfect form of love that God would die for his friend (John 15:13). The cross was the final sacrifice for all (Hebrews 10:10). The cross is the fulfillment of Psalm 22. The cross proclaims the truth that He accomplished everything for our salvation. The cross leads the centurion and others with him proclaim the truth, “Truly this was the Son of God.” This message was so strong that the religious leaders tried to prevent any opportunities for Jesus’ resurrection by sealing the tomb, but the sealant could not hold him! “Lamb of God, pure and holy, Who on the cross didst suffer; Ever patient and lowly, Thyself to scorn didst offer; All sins Tho borest for us, Else had despised reigned o’er us. Have mercy on us, O Jesus, O Jesus!” (Lutheran Service Book 434, Lamb of God, Pure and Holy).

Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 27:24-44.

The people were about to riot unless Jesus, the innocent, sinless man was crucified. By God’s wisdom Pilate’s decision to have Jesus crucified is what brings us healing, life, and forgiveness. We feel the mockery, the thorns in the head, the moisture of spit on his face, and the nails piercing his skin. The words of the people and Roman soldiers are “true” (Blood will be on us, Hail King of the Jews, Son of God), but they are proclaimed not in saving faith. We see Jesus, the true King, serve His people in His kingdom by submission to God’s will in weakness for the sake of us (2 Corinthians 5:21). In grief we say, “Thanks be to God!” “Lord God, once again we look at the cross where Your Son died. Open our eyes to see this action by faith and humble us to receive Your promises with joy. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 27:1-23. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.

Everyone is talking about accusations but Jesus is silent. Can you imagine a situation where it would be decided that you would be killed for something you did not do instead of a convicted criminal. Would you stay quiet? The chief priests and elders were great at justifying their actions as if there was a “level of sins” His words were few because the cross would do all the talking. We hear the rest of the passion to realize the depth of our sin and how little we deserve this grace. “When I survey the wondrous cross; On which the Prince of Glory died; My richest gain I count but loss; and pour contempt on all my pride.” (Lutheran Service Book #425, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross).

Rev. Dr. Joshua Jones, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 26:57-75.

The religious leaders are gathering the forces and using all of their political chips to take Jesus down. After all the attempts they could only rely on false prophets to bring Him to Pilate. The claim of blasphemy is that He threatened the temple and usurped the religious leaders. When we get to Peter’s denial we realize the seriousness from Matthew 5 about oaths and Jesus’ words “whoever confesses me before men I will confess before My Father who is in heaven” cut us to the heart. The story of Peter is the reason why we have the cross: broken, weak sinners needing a Savior to become broken and weak for them. “O Christ, You walked the road; Our wand’ring feet must go. You faced with us temptations pow’r; and fought our ancient foe.” (Lutheran Service Book 424, O Christ, You Walked the Road).

Rev. Scott Adle, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 26:36-56.

As Jesus prays to the Father, “take this cup from me, but Your will be done.” It is clear that our strength is in the LORD. This is why we sing “The LORD God is my strength and my song (Isaiah 12:2b).” If we look to one another for strength and hope, betrayal & laziness prevail. In Christ, we have the one who takes the burden upon Himself and even calls his betrayer “Friend.” Jesus possesses enough power to call on enough angels to destroy a whole country, but out of love, submits to the will of the Father and fulfills the Scripture. “Almighty God, Your will be done. As Christ fulfilled the Scriptures, we look to Him for our hope and strength. Keep us steadfast in You and filled with the hope of Your cross. In Him, Amen”

Rev. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 26:1-35.

Jesus is working the ground to prepare everyone for the cross. He calls everyone to faith, like the woman anointing Jesus’ head for burial. The comfort of Jesus’ preparation that He doesn’t just give words but Himself, His body and blood, to give us forgiveness and a taste of heaven today. We are reminded again that “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Peter confessed that he would NEVER deny Christ, but he did. We pray that the Holy Spirit will keep us steadfast in Him and find comfort in all that He has done for us. “O Holy Spirit, fill us with faith and prepare us to confess Jesus as Lord and stay steadfast in Him. Give us the right understanding of Your precious supper that we may receive Your benefits and trust in Your promise of forgiveness. In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’Shalom in St. Louis, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 25:31-46.

We receive a glimpse of what will occur when Jesus returns. He will come and sit on his glorious throne and judge the nations. This judgment is quite troubling when we think about the times we have not fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, visited those in prison, and given clothing to the needy? Yet, God is at work preparing a place for you by Christ’s cross (John 14:1-3). We grieve those who might be on the Lord’s left hand. May the LORD take that grief and lead us to a faith-filled life of prayer and service to others. “O Holy Spirit, make us sheep of our Shepherd Jesus. As He has given His life for us, we know that the time of judgment will come. Keep us in the narrow way and bring others to Your saving name. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Donald Fondow, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 21.

King David prays after battle. Psalm 20 says, “O LORD, save the king” and Psalm 21 shows that God is victorious. David can not help but rejoice in the LORD’s strength and salvation. The LORD had sustained David and his lineage not only in battle, but in faith in the saving King who has had the victory on the cross. We rejoice in His faithfulness to destroy death and evil that on the last day, the wrath we deserve, has been placed on our Savior, the King. “Lord God, steadfast is Your love in Christ as You have had the victory. Keep us from evil knowing that evil will not win the day. Help us to sing our praises in Your power and in Your power we rest in peace. Lord in Your mercy, Amen”

Rev. Matthew Schultz, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Niskayuna, NY joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 20.

David prays to His King that He would bless his people. It is a reminder for us to pray for our leaders and know that the LORD is the true leader. The power is in the name of the LORD and not ours. The victory is His and we trust in Him to graciously care for His kingdom in His salvation. “Lord Jesus, as You are our saving King, we ask that You would answer us in our battles, give us the joy of Your salvation, and keep us from evil. In Your name, Amen”