Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 27:27-44. The mockery that Jesus faced in the midst of His trial before Pilate teaches an important truth for our salvation. Precisely through His suffering and death, Jesus reigns as King. Though the soldiers did not realize the truth of their actions in crowning Jesus with thorns, this truly was Jesus’ coronation as the King who reigns with forgiveness. Contrary to the natural expectation of sinners, the cross is Jesus’ glory. Matthew records the actual crucifixion with such simplicity to highlight all the events around it that teach us the great importance of the cross. As those looking on mock Jesus on the cross, the irony is stark. If Jesus saves Himself, He cannot save anyone. If Jesus comes down from the cross, He’s not worthy of any faith. Here the grace and glory of God are truly seen. Jesus does not come down from the cross, nor does He save Himself, in order to save sinners through fa

Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 27:11-26. As Jesus goes on trial before Pontius Pilate, the question of who is to blame for Jesus’ death takes center stage. As governor, Pilate recognizes that Jesus has committed no crime, yet he releases the guilty Barabbas in place of the Innocent One. Though Pilate washes his hands in an attempt to ease his conscience, his guilt remains. The chief priests and elders act only out of envy, persuading the crowd to join them in their demand for Jesus’ crucifixion. They proclaim a willingness to accept responsibility for Jesus’ death. Ultimately, the blame lies not just with Pilate or Jesus’ generation; all sinners bear the responsibility. In this fact, the gracious truth of what Jesus is doing shines forth. Jesus has come to die for all sinners. He reigns as King precisely by allowing Himself to be declared guilty, so that sinners can be declared innocent. He directs events toward the shedding

Rev. Hans Fiene, pastor at River of Life Lutheran Church in Channahon, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 27:1-10. The morning of Good Friday started with the darkness of the Sanhedrin’s attempt to legitimize their sin of the previous night. They turn to the Roman authorities to do the dirty work of executing Jesus. None of these attempts to escape judgment succeed, however. The Passion narrative calls all sinners to recognize their guilt in sending Jesus to His death, even as God’s Word also reveals His grace in working out of His plan of salvation for sinners by delivering Jesus into death. The account of Judas within this narrative is tragic. No sinner should think himself above falling into sin just as Judas. When he changed his mind and saw what was about to happen to Jesus, however, he only tried to shift the blame to the chief priests. The chief priests utterly failed to direct Judas to the forgiveness to be found in the sacrifice Jesus was about to make; they left Judas to die in desp

Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:69-75. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Peter has been bold in word and deed, leading him into both great faithfulness and great failure. His God-given confession of Christ was followed by serving as the mouthpiece of Satan previously. Now, during Jesus’ Passion, his bold declaration that he would die with Jesus is followed by his threefold denial of the Lord. Even when Peter faces seemingly small temptations and is asked for seemingly small confessions of his connection to Jesus, Peter fails miserably. He even falls into sin against the 2nd Commandment, misusing God’s name to back up a damnable lie. The rooster’s crow brought to Peter’s remembrance Jesus’ words, leading Peter into repentance. His bitter weeping was part of his godly grief over his sin that culminated not in despair, but faith in Christ. Peter’s example of restoration to f

Rev. Sean Smith, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wine Hill, IL and Immanuel Lutheran Church in West Point, IL and host of Concord Matters, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:57-68. As Jesus is put on trial before the Sanhedrin, two opposing worldviews clash. Jesus is focused on the things of God, while His opponents only think the things of man. As the high priest, Caiaphas should have known the Scriptures and recognized Jesus as the true temple. Instead, he leads a sham trial with a predetermined verdict. Two witnesses finally recall words Jesus spoke about the destruction and restoration of the Temple. Though Jesus had spoken about His death and resurrection, the Sanhedrin once again only considers the worldly perspective. The high priest’s charge leads to Jesus’ confession of the truth that He is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Son of Man who will stand as their Judge. Though the high priest believes Jesus has convicted Himself, it is the high priest who convicts himself by unlawf

Rev. Roy Askins, managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:36-56. Jesus continues to fulfill the Scriptures and His own Words as He goes willingly into His Passion. As Jesus revealed Himself as God to Peter, James, and John in the glory of His transfiguration, now Jesus reveals Himself as God to the same three in the weakness of Gethsemane. Jesus’ prayer to the Father in both trembling and resolution brings us to marvel and rejoice at the mystery of the personal union of the divine and human natures in Christ. His three closest disciples fail to stay awake and pray, even as Jesus continues to fulfill the will of God for the salvation of sinners. Judas transforms the sign of friendship as the sign of betrayal, which Jesus receives willingly. He will not have His disciples prevent this with the sword, for His kingdom must come through the Word, not with force or violence. As Jesus continues forward in fulfillment of God’s Word, He does so deserted by His discipl

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:20-35. As the Passover meal approaches, Jesus continues to direct the events. He knows what is happening, and He goes forward willingly to save sinners. He declares to His disciples that one of them will betray Him. Though they all would feign greatness, Jesus reiterates that one of those who has eaten with Him will betray Him. Worse still, woe is declared to this one because he will never return from his evil deed in faith to the Lord. Judas reveals himself to be the one when he addresses Jesus as a mere rabbi. Such betrayal does not deter Jesus, however. He gives to His sinful disciples, those who are about to desert Him, the most precious meal. Jesus gives exactly what He says. With the bread, He gives His Body. With the wine, He gives His Blood. Even as the night progresses and Jesus informs the Eleven that they will all fall away, including three denials from Peter, this precious gift of

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:1-19. The Gospel of Matthew has been pushing to this moment. Jesus has concluded His ministry of teaching and now enters into His time. Though the chief priests and elders think their plots can bring Jesus to an end, He goes to His passion, death, and resurrection willingly. He directs the events toward the fulfillment of the Scriptures. At the home of Simon the leper, an ordinary event becomes extraordinary when a woman anoints Jesus with very expensive ointment. Thinking only of the things of man, the disciples consider it a waste. Jesus calls them to the perspective of the things of God. This event has prepared Jesus for His burial. By her action, the woman has proclaimed that the most precious treasure is the salvation that Jesus is about to win. Although Judas uses it as the occasion to enter into a contract to betray his Lord, Jesus remains in control of all of the events of His passion,

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, director of admissions and director of the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus concludes His final discourse by teaching His disciples about His coming in glory on the Last Day. Though Jesus compares the Last Day to a shepherd separating sheep and goats, this is not a parable; rather, Jesus is describing what will actually happen on the Last Day. As God and man, Jesus will sit on His glorious throne and separate those who have faith in Him from those who do not. The sheep are those blessed by God with the gift of faith in Christ. They will inherit the kingdom the Father has prepared for them from before the foundation of the world. Their works of love for their neighbor have been done because they are in Christ; all that has happened to Him has happened to them. The goats are those cursed because they have rejected Christ’s salvation. Though they assume they have done good works, they h

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 25:14-30. What does it look like when God reigns as King? Jesus’ parable of a gracious master who entrusts his property to his servants paints the picture. Just as the master knows his servants perfectly in the amounts he gives, so the Lord knows His disciples perfectly. Just as the master gives abundantly to his servants, even to the one who will misuse his gift, so the Lord gives abundantly to His people. The Lord’s abundance is seen in His Word, His Sacraments, faith, and mercy that He gives to His people. The third servant does not put the master’s talent to use because he does not truly know his master, nor does he rightly believe his identity as a servant. However, when we know Jesus as the gracious Lord and believe the identity He has given us as His servants, we put His gifts to use, confident in Him. We eagerly anticipate that Day when He returns and welcomes us home into His et

Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 25:1-13. Jesus continues His parables concerning His coming on the Last Day. He sets before His disciples the need for watchfulness by comparing the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins awaiting a bridegroom. The difference between the foolish and the wise was their readiness for the bridegroom’s coming. The foolish who have no oil provide a picture of those who would attach themselves outwardly to the Christian church without true faith. The wise who buy oil ahead of time provide a picture of those who have received the Holy Spirit’s gifts in the means of grace through faith. The Lord keeps His bride, the Church, in such wisdom through the Word of Christ crucified preached and heard. Those who have spurned these gifts in this life will find out it is too late on the Last Day, while those who have been kept by the Holy Spirit in true faith will be welcomed on the Last Day into the marriage sup

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 24:36-51. Jesus shifts from speaking about the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 to the topic of His second coming on the Last Day. His disciples had asked Him about both prior to His discourse. Jesus told them what would happen prior to the destruction of the temple, but when it comes to His second coming, Jesus answers: “There will be no sign. Watch!” Only the Father knows the Day of Jesus’ return. As in the days of Noah, unbelievers were going about daily life with no thought to God’s Law or Gospel, so the Son of Man will come suddenly to bring salvation to His people and judgment to unbelievers. This calls for readiness for Christians. As a thief in the night comes unexpectedly, so Jesus will come unexpectedly. To be ready for His return, then, is to have faith, the gift of God. In such faith, we know that Jesus is our gracious Master. As He has freely given to us, we live now in faithf

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson, MN and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 24:15-35. Jesus continues speaking to His disciples concerning the coming destruction of the temple and Jerusalem in AD 70. This terrible event portrayed God’s judgment on the generation of those who rejected His Son in the flesh, became a visible manifestation end of the Old Covenant because of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice, and provides a picture in miniature of the Day of the Lord on the Last Day. Jesus warns His disciples ahead of time about the events leading up to Jerusalem’s fall in order that His elect will be able to flee and so have their lives spared. As Jesus continues to speak, some of His Words seem to point toward not only the events of AD 70, but also the Last Day. For us Christians who eagerly await the Last Day now, our foundation is the same as those who anticipated the fulfillment of Jesus’ words against Jerusalem. We trust His Words

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at the Northeast Kansas Lutheran Partnership, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 24:1-14. Jesus leaves the temple for the last time on Tuesday of Holy Week and tells His disciples that this grand building will one day be destroyed. God’s presence dwells in Jesus; therefore, the foundation of the disciples’ faith is not a building, but Jesus’ words. They ask Him two questions in response to this shocking statement, perhaps with some misunderstanding concerning the connection between the destruction of the Temple and the consummation at the end of the age. Jesus answers both questions throughout His discourse in Matthew 24-25, though we may sometimes have difficulty discerning which question He is answering. Jesus first warns His disciples concerning false teaching, which presents an eternal danger to His disciples. Wars and rumors of wars and famines will all happen before the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age, but Jesus comforts us not to be alarmed and inste

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 23:13-39. Jesus speaks a series of seven woes to the scribes and Pharisees. Such words are far stronger than bad news; Jesus tells these false teachers that they are on the broad road to eternal death. Woe is theirs because they have rejected the saving grace of Jesus and have taught others to do the same. Woe is theirs because they have been more concerned about their own gifts and works than the One who gives and works for them. Woe is theirs because they have neglected the weightiest matters of God’s Word. Woe is there because they have only concerned themselves with outward righteousness while remaining inwardly sinful because they have rejected Jesus’ cleansing. Woe is theirs because they are about to fulfill the deeds of their fathers by crucifying Jesus. Throughout these woes, Jesus does not share the hatred of the Pharisees and scribes. Rather, He

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 23:1-12. Throughout Jesus’ Holy Week teaching, the scribes and Pharisees have continued their angry unbelief toward Him. He now turns away from them to address those who have been receptive to His teaching. He warns His disciples and the crowds concerning these false teachers. When they speak as heirs of Moses’ teaching, repeating the Word of God, that Word does continue to bear authority that must be heard and believed. But the false deeds and actions of the scribes and Pharisees must not be followed. They only add burdens to people, demanding a righteousness that comes through the Law, without giving any aid to people, because they lead people away from Christ. Instead of doing good works in service to the neighbor, the Pharisees and scribes are only concerned with being seen and praised by others. Jesus warns against such misuse of the vocations that He has given. Those who would be

Rev. Jason M. Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, and Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, join host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 22:23-46. Jesus’ opponents continue their attempts to trap Him during Holy Week. The Sadducees, deniers of the resurrection of the dead, pose a ridiculous scenario to Jesus concerning the Old Testament practice of levirate marriage. Their mistake was equating life in this age with life in the age of the resurrection. Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Sadducees’ question and calls them to learn the truth from God’s Word that the resurrection is a reality because God is God of the living. After the Sadducees fail to trap Jesus, the Pharisees send one of their best against Jesus to see if they can bait Him into denying part of God’s commandments. Jesus expertly avoids their trap and summarizes the Law quite beautifully and simply. He teaches u

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 22:1-22. Jesus continues preaching against the Jewish religious leaders on Monday of Holy Week by telling the parable of the wedding feast. God the Father is the King, Jesus is the Bridegroom, and the Church is the Bride. Those who are invited first but refuse to come are the Jewish religious leaders who would not listen to the preaching of John the Baptist and the apostles. They would not believe the invitation to the wedding feast: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The judgment against this rejection of Christ will be severe in AD 70. Still, God desires all to be saved, and so He sends the Gospel call out to all. Those who believe in Christ for salvation are those who wear the clothes of His righteousness; those who do not believe in Christ for salvation will be cast into eternal judgment. The warning of the parable is clear: do not spurn God’s invitation to receive His means of

Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 21:23-46. Jesus’ authority has been on clear display at the beginning of Holy Week, and the chief priests and elders are quick to challenge Him. Jesus’ question in return only escalates the matter of authority. If these religious leaders had been exercising true authority, they either would have believed in John as a teacher from God, or they would have rejected him outright as a liar. Their failure to do either shows that the only authority they have comes from their manipulation of the crowds. Jesus refuses to answer to such false authority and launches into two parables against them. The first parable exposes these religious leaders who have aligned themselves against God’s will because they rejected John and Jesus. This contrasts with the tax collectors and prostitutes, whose lives had first rejected God’s will but now have aligned themselves with God’s will by believing the preaching of Joh

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 21:1-22. The triumph of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is not that of a conquering Roman emperor. Instead, He comes to conquer sin, death, and the devil by His own death on the cross. The donkey on which Jesus rides marks Him as the King greater than Solomon who has come in humility to serve sinners by giving His life in the place of theirs. The crowds rightly acclaim Him with shouts of “Hosanna” and praises from the Psalms, even if they do not fully grasp the truth they are proclaiming. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, He reveals Himself as King, Prophet, and Priest. He goes to the Temple, not merely to reform it, but to replace it as the once-for-all final sacrifice for sins. Though children believe and sing Jesus’ praises, those who should have recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament refuse to believe. Jesus gives a picture of the judgment that awaits them in the fruitless fi