Scripture First

Many of Jesus’ “I Am” statements lend themselves to comforting depictions for Christians. “I am the light of the world,” makes for a nice painting! But in today’s passage, Jesus is the gate. Sarah Stenson teaches us how Jesus is being categorical in this text. There are two options: enter through the gate by hearing the shepherd’s voice or climbing in another way which makes you a thief and a bandit. Many will hear this as a prescription: how can I be a sheep and not a thief who steals, kills, and destroys? But this is an election text that depicts what happens to you when you hear Jesus’ promise: the sheep hear my voice. I came that they may have life. This is a passive act. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3 GOSPEL John 10:1-10 1 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (NRSV) Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The two men who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus are just starting to tell the disciples about what they’d experienced when Jesus appears before them again. Lars Olson explains how the Gospel of Luke is using this literary structure to depict what happens when the resurrected Jesus shows up: fear, joy, and disbelief. The resurrection is so unbelievable the disciples desperately try to rationalize it away by explaining that Jesus must be a ghost. Lars teaches us that, for most of church history too, we’ve had a difficult time with Jesus’ body. We want to spiritualize Him instead of facing the fact God died and was raised. But, like Jesus reaffirms this in this week’s passage, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.” COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3 GOSPEL Luke 24:36b-48 36 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37 They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence. 44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you -- that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The political power, religious authorities, and the general public all demanded Jesus’ death. The disciples were terrified they were next. Suddenly, Jesus breaks the laws of nature and shows up in the locked room and starts a sermon: peace be with you. Here is the consequence of your sin. Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson explain how Jesus shows them the marks on His hands and sides and clearly places the bullseye on all of them, and all of us: your sin is what killed me. Yet the message is loud and clear: Jesus doesn’t leave them with sin having the final word over them. He leaves them with His Word of mercy and forgiveness. Here is the Holy Spirit, now go and tell others. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3 GOSPEL John 20:19-31 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." 26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

It’s Easter Sunday and three women head to Jesus’ tomb fully expecting to find the dead body of the man they betrayed. Suddenly, an angel appears to deliver them the incredible news that is the basis of the Christian faith: “He has been raised; he is not here.” Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explains why the women expected to find death despite Jesus having told them He would be raised, the importance of the angel’s sermon, and the surprising last verse of the original manuscript of the Gospel of Mark. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3 GOSPEL Mark 16:1-8 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, ”Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you”; 8 So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

This episode is going to be a little different. No background music. No closing summary and calls to action. Why? Because we’re grappling with the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” in this conversation. Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson do an incredible job calling out how everyone involved in Christ’s final moments sinned against Him. From the betrayal to the power dynamics to the self-preservation, every single person called for Jesus to be crucified. Why did Jesus have to die? Because everyone demanded it. Including you. God repeatedly tells us His name is mercy. We don’t believe Him. The only way you’ll believe it is if His blood is on your hands. John 18:1–19:42: 3 So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” 5 They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” 28 Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” 9 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In the first of two Holy Week bonus episodes, Lars Olson and Sarah Stenson break down what Jesus meant by giving us a new commandment to love one another in this Maundy Thursday text. Jesus demonstrates true humility by washing His disciples’ feet. He also commands us to love one another. Many will read this as a command in the Law, as an expectation of what they’re supposed to do. But what Jesus is depicting is what makes someone a disciple. A disciple is someone who betrays Christ. He’s not demanding more love from you. He’s giving you the thing that allows you to freely pour yourself out for your neighbor: faith in His mercy. LENTEN CHALLENGE GRANT Luther House of Study has a challenge grant between now and Easter! A donor is willing to match your donation, so if you sponsor one podcast episode, another will be sponsored on your behalf. Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or go to lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate to learn more. GOSPEL John 13:1-17,31b-35 1 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10 Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean." 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord -- and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Palm Sunday. Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In many churches, we’ll wave our palm branches and shout, “Hosanna!” In this week’s conversation, Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explain how the crowds believed the Messiah was going to be a king whose power came through the Law. They thought the Messiah would defeat their enemies and make their lives materially better—much like how people view being a Christian today will benefit them. The crowd chants, “Hosanna! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!” They didn’t know it, but they were confessing exactly what Jesus was going to do: hosanna means save us. Their ancestor David was a sinner who received God’s mercy. Jesus is going to take on all of our sins and be killed. Quite the way to start Holy Week. LENTEN CHALLENGE GRANT Luther House of Study has a challenge grant between now and Easter! A donor is willing to match your donation, so if you sponsor one podcast episode, another will be sponsored on your behalf. Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or go to lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate to learn more. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL Mark 11:1-11 11 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Dr. Chris Croghan summarized this week’s text in two sentences, “God made a promise. God fulfilled that promise.” After his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a few Greeks show up to the festival. What could be overlooked as a passing detail, Dr. Croghan explains how pivotal this detail is. God promised Abraham that the Messiah would come from his line for all nations. With the Greeks showing up, suddenly it’s not just the Israelites. Non-Jews were present, too. With the promise fulfilled, Jesus proclaimed, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” What does it mean for God to be glorified? With the consequence of sin: death. Father, glorify your name. Do what you promised. When you’re experiencing God’s wrath in death, we cry out for mercy. Your sin is exposed for the world to see. Sinner. Guilty. But that’s how God deals with sin: mercy. New life in Jesus’ resurrection. Crushing the devil’s head. Life everlasting. LENTEN CHALLENGE GRANT Luther House of Study has a challenge grant between now and Easter! A donor is willing to match your donation, so if you sponsor one podcast episode, another will be sponsored on your behalf. Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or go to lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate to learn more. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL John 12:20-33 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. 27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, whe Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Kiri and Mason welcome Lars Olson to the podcast to break down the verses surrounding one of the most well-known verses in the Bible: John 3:16. This week’s lectionary text begins with, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness…” Lars explains the story about God sending snakes to bite His people in Numbers and Moses lifting up a bronze snake. Then we ask, “What does it mean that God so loved the world?” Lars teaches us we think of love as an exchange: if I love you, there’s an expectation you love me back. But that’s not how God loved the world. God loves the world so much that He gave His own Son to die. Why? So you know His mercy and have everlasting life. That’s when we got to the most interesting part of the conversation in my opinion: the discussion about Jesus’ judgment that people loved darkness over the light. Jesus came to save you from darkness, but you love it. We like to hide our evil deeds. We like to think evil is like the Joker or Hitler, but it’s actually saying I don’t need what God is giving me. I’m good enough. My intentions are good. Evil comes out when we’re trying to get away from God by “being good.” Lars explains that is what John 3:16 is about. Jesus came into the world to not show us a way to stop being so sinful, but to expose how much we love the darkness. In order to understand the depth of God’s mercy, we first must know the depth of our depravity. LENTEN CHALLENGE GRANT Luther House of Study has a challenge grant between now and Easter! A donor is willing to match your donation, so if you sponsor one podcast episode, another will be sponsored on your behalf. Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or go to lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate to learn more. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL John 3:14-21 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

A dramatic scene unfolds at the temple where Jesus is driving out livestock with a whip and flipping over the bankers’ tables, spilling money everywhere. Kiri and Mason ask Sarah Stenson what’s happening here and why is Jesus reacting with such a physical disturbance? She explains the context of Passover: a festival where God commanded His people to offer a sacrifice, but—over time—the priests taught that sacrifices were the best form of worship (over obeying other aspects of the Law like the 10 Commandments). That’s idolatry! This diverted the conversation into a discussion about how Christians should view the Old Testament and whether it has bearing on our lives today or not. Finally, we discuss how preachers can approach this text: wherever God’s Word is preached and the sacraments administered, there Jesus will be. We no longer are beholden to the temple. We have the preaching of the forgiveness of sins through Christ. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL John 2:13-22 13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Immediately after Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus lays out the entirety of what that means in a single verse: He’s going to undergo great suffering, be rejected, be killed, and rise again. Peter tries to prevent this from happening and Jesus tells him, “Get behind me, Satan!” Both Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson teach us in this conversation why Jesus reacts this way. It’s an example of setting your mind on a human thing—idolatry—instead of on divine things. They also break down Jesus’ words, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me,” and flip the common Christian understanding of “denying ourselves” and “taking up our cross” to reveal that we do these things passively. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL Mark 8:31-38 31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

At the beginning of Lent, the Gospel of Mark continues on a blistering pace: in six verses, Jesus is baptized, driven into the wilderness, John was arrested, and Jesus proclaimed the good news of God. In these six verses, Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Sarah Stenson about the details that could get overlooked when focusing on the big events happening in these verses. At Jesus’ baptism, Sarah explains how the Greek word for “just” in the verse, “and just as he was coming up out of the water,” means immediately. There’s no separation in time between Jesus’ baptism and the heavens being torn apart. There’s no separation between God and man. There’s no separation between us and the kingdom of heaven anymore. Sarah also teaches us why Jesus needed to be baptized. Baptism is for sinners, but Jesus’ baptism is for Him to begin taking on our sin. To do what God sent Him to do. To be glorified. How is Jesus glorified? By taking our sin, dying, and being resurrected to give us new life in His forgiveness. Plus we get into Jesus being tempted in the wilderness and being waited on by angels, all in six verses! COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL Mark 1:9-15 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The Transfiguration. A literal mountaintop experience, and the bookend to the season of Epiphany as Jesus moves toward Jerusalem, His crucifixion, and, ultimately, His resurrection. Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Dr. Chris Croghan why Jesus elected Peter, James, and John to witness this incredible moment when they've been acting like the Three Stooges up to this point. We also discuss what transfiguration actually means as it remains a difficult-to-envision story in the Gospels. As you’ll hear Dr. Croghan teach, transfiguration doesn’t mean Jesus is being made better. It means dealing with sin. It means Jesus is doing what God sent Him to do and how His promise is being fulfilled: Jesus is being sent back down the mountain to be killed and take on the sin of the world. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL Mark 9:1-10 1 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” 2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

We continue to move through Mark at a breakneck speed: John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, Jesus vs Satan in the wilderness, Jesus teaching in the synagogue with authority before casting out a demon; all in the first chapter! Now, Jesus enters Simon’s mother-in-law’s house to heal her from a fever. Word gets out, and the entire city descends looking for a piece of Jesus’ miracles. In this week’s conversation, Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Lars Olson: COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL Mark 1:29-39 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31 He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34 And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37 When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38 He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” 39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this week’s lectionary text, we hear of the first thing Jesus does in His ministry: teach in the synagogue with authority. As you’ll hear Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan teach Kiri, Cole, and Mason, everyone who heard Jesus was shocked because He spoke with the power of God. The event only gets more shocking as a man controlled by a demon bursts on the scene. We discuss: COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL Mark 1:21-28 21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching--with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this week’s episode, Kiri, Cole, and Mason welcome Dr. Chris Croghan back to the podcast to break down Jesus’ first sermon in the rapid Gospel of Mark. In five short words, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament and ushers in the kingdom of God. "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." They ask Dr. Croghan: What does it mean the time is fulfilled? What is the kingdom of God and how can it be near when heaven is a place we go when we die? How can we repent and believe? Do we have the power to do that? And what is the good news? In the end, Dr. Croghan focuses on the word, “net,” with Jesus calling Simon and Andrew. Unlike using bait, you’re not enticing someone with a net. To be Jesus’ disciple means you don’t choose to follow Him. You’re captured in His net. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL Mark 1:14-20 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." 16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this week’s text, Jesus goes to Galilee and finds Philip and tells him to, “Follow me.” This prompts Philip to tell Nathanael they’ve found the one the Old Testament prophesied. Sarah Stenson explains how this is what happens when Jesus grabs you. When you hear of Jesus’ promise you can’t help but to tell others about it. Similarly, Jesus tells Nathanael He’s known him before He ever met him, and Nathanael responds, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God!” When you’re named by Christ, you confess that He is the one. She also points out that Jesus was looking for Philip when he didn’t know Him meaning this was an act of Jesus’ election. We finish the conversation with Sarah breaking down what Jesus meant in telling Nathanael, “You will see greater things than these. Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL John 1:43-51 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." 49 Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." 51 And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." (NRSV) Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Happy New Year, Scripture First listeners! The lectionary text for the first Sunday of 2024 centers on the same verses about John the Baptist we discussed a few weeks ago in Advent. In our conversation, Kiri and Mason ask Lars Olson about the verses not included in the previous passage: Jesus’ baptism and how it ties into the creation story in Genesis chapter one. We cover high level questions about baptism: what is the promise you receive in your baptism? What’s the difference between baptism and the other sacraments? If baptism is to deliver the promise of the forgiveness of sins, why did Jesus need to be baptized if He was sinless? Just like the language of the waters of the deep in Genesis, baptism is a drowning. The waters cover you and pull you into the deep. You’re pulled out and into new life. Out of death and into life in Christ, for you. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL Genesis 1:1-5 1 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. Mark 1:9-11 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What does it mean Jesus was put under the law? That He who knew no sin became sin? That’s the question Kiri, Justin, and Mason ask Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson in this week’s episode about Jesus in the temple and the prophets Simeon and Anna. In order for Jesus to get rid of the law, He needs to go under it so it can do its full work on Him. We try to make sense of the gospel: how can three people be one? How can God be under something He created? How can someone who never sinned become sin itself? But trying to make sense of the gospel is an act in the law. That’s what you’ll hear Dr. Croghan and Sarah teach us this week: the law actually brings about the gospel. COURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3GOSPEL Luke 2:22-40 22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about t Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

We're discussing the very familiar lectionary text for Christmas Day in today's episode: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. As you'll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask Sarah Stenson, we can roll over the incredible meaning of these words from how familiar it is. As you'll hear Sarah explain, this text is the basis for the entire Christian faith. Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask: This episode was originally published in December 2022. Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate