He is risen! An Easter message from Pastor Clinton Kreuziger.
Today we gather in quietness and darkness out of respect for the solemnity of the events we recall. “Good Friday” is, of course, a retroactive designation. At the time, due to their ignorance, Jesus’ followers did not see his death as good. And by itself, it doesn’t help sinners long term, but because of what happened on Easter morning, we can look back on the death of the Son of God and say that it was good. It was horrible, sad, and a true abomination of justice, but it was good. On Good Friday, sin and darkness lost. Grace and light won. Stand in awe of it today. Then, worship with us in the glorious light of Easter on Sunday.
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knew his death was coming, but instead of fighting to prevent it, he calmly celebrated the Passover with his disciples so that he could give them an even greater meal. The Lord’s Supper is his promise of love, presence, and forgiveness.
As we gather for Palm Sunday, we recall Jesus' entry into Jerusalem: triumphant, yet understated. The shouts of praise were soon revealed to be half-hearted, as are so many of ours. Study Philippians 2:5-11 to see Jesus' wholehearted approach.
"Unable" is a defeating word. It is often used to soften bad news. It often comes as a blow to the pride of humans who like to be able. This week, we can see ourselves in Jesus' disciples' inability as they fail in Matthew 17. But instead of giving them too much focus, we turn our eyes to the one who is able.
A Lenten devotion from Pastor Jonathan Bauer from Good New Lutheran Church
"Wow!" is a familiar response when we see, hear, or experience something amazing. In our lives, "Wow!" is exclaimed at seeing a natural wonder, the birth of a child, or an incident of historical importance. None of these can compare, though, to what three disciples witnessed on top of a mountain when Jesus was transfigured before them. In Matthew 17, we both see the Son of God revealed in all of his glory and hear his encouragement to us about how to react to his majesty.
A Lenten devotion from Mr. Steve Pelischek from Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel
If something "costs too much," that could be about price or about value. It might be that you don't have enough money, but it might also be that you don't think it's a fair trade. The wisdom that guides these decisions is often human wisdom, but we need guidance from God's Word when it comes to the value of our souls. Thankfully, we have it.
A Lenten devotion from Minister for Nurture Mark Kjenstad
A simple question is a vital one. A matter of opinion is not the same as a matter of truth that some people will get wrong. When Jesus asked the question about himself, a lot of people got it wrong, and they still do, but Matthew 16 records the right answer for us.
A Lenten devotion from Pastor Jon Bilitz, Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel
Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord. We celebrate this truth throughout life and look ahead to an eternity with our God all because of who Christ is and what he accomplished in saving us from our sins. We also journey through life aware of the dangers that threaten us and seek to drag us away from our God. Matthew 16 urges us to not only be aware of these dangers, but to also flee to our God and his Word for safety and protection.
A Lenten devotion from Pastor Clinton Kreuziger
When we observe how God has caused and allowed history to unfold, so much of it seems unlikely. Why those people? Why those circumstances? In Matthew 15, we see an unlikely conversation and an unlikely result, but our perspective is not God's. May we always remember that God's mode of operating is different from ours; his way is mercy.
What is your favorite tradition for winter or for summer? For Christmas or Independence Day or your birthday? Our lives are full of traditions, and so is the Bible. Matthew 15 gives us some guidance on the value we place on traditions and when it might be appropriate to break them.
As we continue our reading of Matthew, the Holy Scriptures show us believers who had faith in God and his abilities to save them, yet they doubted because of some adversity. The true answer to doubt is not found in the great miracle that removes adversity, but in the voice of our Savior, so we gather as a family to hear his words and sing his praises.
According to a renowned cricket player, there's nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent. If we leave Jesus out of satisfaction, then our satisfaction is bound to be lacking in some way. In Matthew 14, Jesus satisfies both physical and spiritual needs.
Scripture is much more than a guide for holy living. It reveals Jesus to us: our Savior, our Lord, and our friend. Scripture, though, does teach us many lessons we need to know for life and for death. As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew, the soap opera that is John the Baptist's imprisonment and murder does just that, reminding us that "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
In Matthew 13:53-58, Jesus is without honor because he is only a prophet in the minds of so many locals. Far be it from us to trivialize who Jesus is and what he has done. It's the same story it has been our whole lives, but it’s still amazing and life-changing.
Where are you “supposed to be” in life? Where are you supposed to be at the beginning of 2026? As we gather for the first time in the new year, let’s be sure to search for answers to such questions in Scripture. Ephesians 3:2-12 details the mystery of God’s revelation to all people.
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It is easy this time of year to get so wrapped up in the chaos that we forget about the baby in the manger. We also forget that through him we are his children. Paul reminds us that God sent his Son to redeem us; therefore, we are children of God! That is true and lasting joy!
The day that God himself was veiled in flesh in order to save sinners is worth every bit of celebration. From the beginning, the solution to sin was the flesh and blood of the God of the universe. God bless your celebration of Jesus’ birth. May the God who made his dwelling among us remind you of his love.
Lord, remind us how reliable our God is when we doubt. Read 1 Peter 2:4-6 and be reminded of God's great promise to you. Then join brothers and sisters in Christ who are experiencing all sorts of doubts, anxieties, and fears. Together we'll be reminded of what our God has done for us.
Bad stuff happens in life. We all know it. We all experience it. This side of heaven, Jesus never tells us otherwise and actually makes it clear, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). Despite this humbling reality, we rejoice this Christmas season and always that we have a God who loves us, who carries us, and who leads us forward in his holy name . . . even when bad things happen. What a blessing. What a truth!