''Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night" (Matthew 26:31).''

On the night that was to be their greatest challenge in faith, all the disciples failed. Failed miserably. They stumbled when Judas and the mob came to get Jesus. That night, they didn't want to be counted with Jesus. They wanted nothing to do with Jesus.

How many nights is that your issue? How many nights do you want nothing to do with Jesus? Everyone stumbles. Especially Christians. But you say, "I'm getting better." That may be true, but you're not perfect. Not in the least.

The Apostles stumbled over Jesus. We stumble over Jesus. He is the stumbling block for all people. 

But when we stumble over Him, He catches us. His arms are stretched out on the cross. He forgives our stumbling over Him. He is hard to understand. His way is not easy. There are stumbles all along the way. But there is mercy along the way as well. Mercy for all who stumble. Amen.

Even though the Roman Church declares that Baptism takes away original sin and therefore the need for Jesus as Mediator after Baptism, Christ is still the Christian's Mediator. We can never get around the accusations of the Law. All of our righteousness before God comes solely for Christ's sake. His mediation and intercession brings us that righteousness.

''I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom (Matthew 26:29).''

In Heaven, we will be in a perfect communal relationship. In Heaven, all the divisions of the denominations will be gone. In Heaven, everyone will be in altar fellowship with everyone else.

We know this because Jesus says He will drink the wine of His blood in Heaven. The Eucharistic joy will continue in Heaven. What a joy it will be to sit at the great table in Heaven and share Jesus' body and blood with Jesus Himself. Forever praising Him as our Savior and Redeemer. The God-Man who tears down the walls of division.

Until then, we work to find that true unity here on earth. Not settling for slight agreement. Seeking a united understanding of our Lord and His Church. If we can achieve that, we can say that we have Heaven on earth. But, if and when we fail at this, we can take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus will make all things new on the Last Day. Especially new Christian unity. Amen.

This morning's meditation are the Words of Institution as found in St. Matthew's Gospel, chapter 26, verses 26-28:

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

''Judas, who would betray him, answered, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You have said so" (Matthew 26:25).''

Sometimes there are questions that you don't ask because you don't want the answer. You're afraid of the answer you might get. With the same trepidation as the other Apostles, Judas asks Jesus.

Judas had already been influenced by Satan. Even possessed by Satan. And yet he is still there at the Last Supper. Because Satan enjoys being in the presence of Christians.

Judas was named, but he was named quietly. Judas goes out to betray Jesus. To betray Him into the hands that should have welcomed Him. Keep your hands open to receive Him. Amen.

Psalm 18 is a wonderful Psalm that speaks of God being our Fortress, Refuge, Strength, Shield, and many other things. This Psalm was used as the liturgy for an Advent Midweek service in 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN.

In this episode, listen to the reading of the Psalm and the sermon that was preached in 2012.

''The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born (Matthew 26:24).''

The primary thought of the suicidal is that it would be better for everyone if he or she had not been born. That God made a mistake with them. This is the plot of "It's a Wonderful Life" and all its derivatives.

Would it '''REALLY''' have been better for '''EVERYONE''' if any one person had not been born? Would it really be better for '''ANYONE''' if '''YOU''' had not been born?

We find this statement to be true especially for Judas. Dante, in his ''Inferno'', declares that Judas is one of the three frozen in the deepest part of Hell. He's stuck there with Brutus and Cassius, Julius Caesar's assassins. Being eternally devoured by Satan. It would have been better for him had he not been born.

But it would not be good for you. Jesus had to be betrayed. The Jewish leaders would not move against Him. If Jesus not been betrayed He would not have died. And your sins would not be forgiven. But Jesus was betrayed. He did die. And He rose again to open the gates of Heaven for you who believe in Him. Amen.

World Tag Team champions Bobo Brazil and S.D. Jones face a gauntlet against four teams. Each match has them defending their titles and their winning streak:

'Dirty' Dutch Mantell and David von Erich, seeking to have one more shot at the World Tag Team champions, also face a gauntlet against four teams. Each match has Mantell defending his Television Title in the first fifteen minutes of the twenty-minute time limit:

If both teams survive their gauntlets, which are taking place at the same time in two rings on the arena floor, they will meet in a no time limit, no disqualification match to end it all. There will be no rematches between these two teams for another ninety days after this match.

How far will each team make it? Will the "Brawl to End It All" happen? Listen and find out!

''Jesus answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me" (Matthew 26:23).''

The questions swirled. Each of the Twelve asked Jesus if he would betray Jesus. Jesus answers the group with a vague statement. "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me." Each of the Twelve had dipped their hand in the dish with Him. They all had dipped their bread into the oil. Each of them still had to question in their hearts, "Is it I?"

Their hearts sank with the understanding that they could possibly be the one who betrayed Jesus. The one who would fulfill the prophecy in Psalm 41: "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." Which of the Apostles would lift his heel against Jesus? We know it's Judas, but the Apostles are left to wander and question in their hearts.

All of them betrayed Jesus when they fled from Gethsemane. Each of us betray Jesus when we sin against Him.

We who have dipped our hand in the dish with His body and blood constantly betray Him. But we can continue with the prayer in the prophetic psalm: "But You, O LORD, be gracious to me" (41:10). Amen.

Liturgical Date: Pentecost

Calendar Date: May 23, 2021

Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL

Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching

Hymns:

#503, "O Day Full of Grace"

#498, "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest"

#496, "Holy Spirit, Light Divine"

#643, "Sent Forth by God's Blessing"

Sermon Theme: Filled with the Holy Spirit

Sermon Text: Acts 2:1-21

Other Lectionary Readings: 

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Psalm 139:1-12

John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15