Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

The world measures funerals by size and fame, but Jesus does not. Whether in a stadium or a small chapel, He sees the same need—sinners in need of forgiveness and life. That is what He gave Reinhardt in Baptism, in His Word, and in His Supper: the promise that though he died, he is not dead but alive in Christ. Like the paralyzed man Jesus healed, Reinhardt will rise, not to temporary strength, but to everlasting life when Christ returns. And that same promise is ours. Our worth is not in the world’s opinion but in the Savior who died and rose for us, who says even now: “Take heart, your sins are forgiven.”