April 28, 2024
Today’s Reading: John 15:1-8
Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 20:1-16, 22-27, Luke 11:37-54
“Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In Numbers 8:5-22, Moses describes the cleansing ritual for the Levites, the servants of the Lord, at His Tabernacle. They had to be set apart from the other Israelites to be devoted to the Lord’s service. But first, the Levites had to be made clean. Their sinful nature made them unclean, of course, just like all others by nature. Your nature, too, is corrupt, and you need God’s cleansing by the Gospel.
The Levites were cleansed first by being sprinkled with purifying water. They had to shave, they had to wash their clothes and themselves. After this came sacrifices. Two bulls were sacrificed, one as a burnt offering and one as a sin offering. A grain offering was also made in thanks to God. Finally, the Levites themselves were offered as a “wave offering.” This Old Testament ceremony brought something that belonged to people and dedicated that to be the Lord’s. Only after this could the Levites serve the Lord.
But Jesus says you are made clean a lot easier. You are cleansed by His Word. However, remember that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). So when Jesus says His Word has cleansing powers today, we can also see a fulfillment of the Levite’s cleansing.
First, you are washed in Baptism. Baptism is truly cleansing because forgiveness of sins is delivered here. By this, you become a branch in Jesus the Living Vine and more than just a servant – You are His friend. Next, Jesus offers Himself as our burnt offering. God’s anger at your sins is poured out completely on Jesus at the cross. Repent. But also believe that for all your sins, Jesus suffers the punishment. Jesus is also our sin offering. Jesus transfers you out of all of the eternal fallout of your sins, even if there still remain worldly consequences for those sins.. On the Last Day, you will be transferred out of these too. By faith in His death, you are now transferred from the kingdom of sin into God’s righteousness. You are even free from sins that were done against you! After this, faith gives thanksgiving to God for His mercy to you.
Now, Jesus’ word carries this forgiveness to you. Hearing Jesus’ word makes you clean. For His death has won your salvation, and His Word communicates this to you. God be praised! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, our Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
– Pastor. Robert Mayes is the pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church in Beemer and Wisner, NE.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.
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