November 19, 2023

Today’s Reading: Matthew 25:14-30

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Matthew 21:1-22

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’  (Matthew 25:21)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We can easily get bogged down by these parables to see who we are in the reading.  These parables are all about what Jesus is doing for you!  Let them be all about Jesus and His work for you!  Jesus is the good and faithful servant. Christ Jesus was entrusted with God’s Word.  He is the only one who perfectly kept the Commandments of God.  The Father entrusted the salvation of the world with a single life, His very own Son.  Jesus lived that life without fault, in perfection, in true faithfulness to His heavenly Father, for you!  In turn the Father says to Christ Jesus, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” You are forgiven in Jesus’ righteousness because of that the Father likewise says to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

His faithfulness spills over to us in your love and generosity to others in need. Jesus does all the work, by faith you get all the credit, pray that the lord would work His love and generosity in and through you for the benefit of your neighbor. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Dispel from us the works of darkness and grant us to live in the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ, that our faith may never be found wanting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  (Prayer for Pentecost 25)

– Pastor Kent Schaaf is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

Study Christ’s words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.