2017 Winter - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies)

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In This Issue:

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• Jesus Hits the Spot • Thank God We Are Beggars • Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?

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. h i g h e r t h i n g s . o r g / WINTER / 2 0 1 7 1

Sound the alarm against false teachings of Christianity in America.

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H I G H E R

Contents T A B L E O F

Volume 17/Number 4 • Winter 2017

Special Features 4 Down from the Mountain

By Rev. George F. Borghardt It’s in our nature to seek out mountaintop experiences, and while such times can be a blessing, Rev. Borghardt explains via the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration that His first love is to be with us and among us below the clouds as we navigate the stuff of life.

6 Jesus Hits the Spot

By Rev. Aaron T. Fenker Through Luke’s account of Jesus healing of the 10 lepers, Rev. Fenker affirms that no matter what spot you may find yourself in, Jesus is there, for YOU.

8 Metaphors, Grammar, and Scripture, Oh My!

By Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz The words we read in the Scriptures are not there by accident. As Rev. Schuldheisz demonstrates, God has masterfully used particular language choices to share His Good News.

10 Thank God We Are Beggars

By Rev. Harrison Goodman Does being beggars in relation to the God of the universe mean He just expects us to deal with whatever lot we are given? By no means! Rev. Goodman reminds us that it is all about to WHOM we are begging—an abundantly gracious God who has given us everything we need, and more, through Jesus Christ.

12 Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?

By Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard In a world that constantly pulls our eyes toward false christs, Rev. Richard returns our focus to the true Jesus and directs us where He is to be found—in water, Word, Body and Blood for salvation and the forgiveness of our sins.

22 He Is Always There

By Erica M. Olson Times of struggle are inevitable in this life. Sometimes we feel desperately alone. Erica’s personal account of God’s working in her life will encourage you to remember God’s faithful, constant presence through His Word and Sacraments.

24 “Pray Then Like This…”

By Katie Hill Whether you’re at a loss for words when praying, distracted when you do pray or even think your prayer time isn’t a struggle, Katie makes the case that tools like the Lutheran Book of Prayer help to stimulate and maintain a joyful and rich prayer life.

Regular Features 28 Catechism: Invocation

By Rev. William M. Cwirla Let’s start at the very beginning…of the Divine Service liturgy, that is! Rev. Cwirla gets the ball rolling with the liturgy/catechism connection by examining the very first words we hear in church on a Sunday morning.

30 Bible Study: Thank God We Are Beggars

Be sure to check out this sample of one of our student Bible studies which links up with Rev. Harrison Goodman’s article on P. 10.

HigherThings

®

Volume 17/Number 4/Winter 2017 Bible Studies for these articles can be found at: higherthings.org/ magazine/biblestudies.html Executive Editor

Katie Hill Art Director

Steve Blakey Editorial Associates

Rev. Greg Alms Rev. Paul Beisel Rev. Gaven Mize Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard Copy Editors

Kay Maiwald Dana Niemi Bible Study Authors

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Elizabeth Carlson ___________ Board of Directors President

Rev. George F. Borghardt Vice-President

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Mr. Eric Maiwald Secretary

Rev. Joel Fritsche Deaconess Ellie Corrow Rev. D. Carl Fickenscher Mr. Bob Myers Mrs. Sue Pellegrini Rev. Chris Rosebrough ___________

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Come Down from Brighter than bright!

Lighter than Light! Very God of very God! Jesus shines like the sun at His Transfiguration!

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The Epiphany season has been all about Jesus showing us His glory. Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem to worship the One born King of the Jews. The Father spoke, “This is my Beloved Son with whom I am well pleased,” and the Holy Spirit descended from heaven as a dove at His Baptism. Jesus changed water into top-shelf wine, healed the sick, and raised the dead.

That’s a lot of Epiphanies!

But at the end of the Epiphany season, Jesus puts on His greatest show! He is transfigured before St. Peter, St. James, and St. John. His face shines like the sun with unborrowed light, and His clothes become as white as lightning. He changes form. He is transfigured. His glory is revealed to them.

Now that’s an Epiphany!

God is in the flesh and blood of the man, Jesus. He is not far off at all. He’s not distant on some mountaintop. He is with you. He is for you. He is near you. He is true God, begotten of His Father from all eternity. He is true man born of the Virgin Mary. He is your Lord. He is your God. St. Peter didn’t get it. I’d have missed it, too. I’d have gotten so excited about Jesus shining like the sun and about being there to see it, that I’d have wanted to stay on that mountain with Jesus forever.“This is even better than an HT conference! Let’s build three altars! One for you, Jesus. Then we can build one for Moses and one for Elijah! Let’s stay in this mountaintop experience forever!”

After all, that’s how we like God: bright and shining and powerful. God on our terms.

God only for us. God doing and saying what we want Him to do and to say. God

m the Mountain

By Rev. George F. Borghardt

looking like we think He should look. But the problem with God is that He can’t be controlled or manipulated by us. He does what He does. He says what He says.

He can’t be bought, bribed, or fought.

He doesn’t lose—ever. He isn’t even on our team, because we are sinners. Our wants and desires are soiled by our sin.

So as Peter is rambling about how this is the best retreat ever, the cloud and the majesty of God shows up and the Father speaks from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him!” God is God. We are sinners. His holiness overwhelms sinners. He judges them for what they are: His enemies. He condemns and accuses sinners with His Law. He sends sinners to hell. The end. So the disciples run and hide, trying to cover their heads from the God they were big fans of right up until their sin was shown to them. Suddenly there was just too much God on the mountain for them and they were going to be destroyed by Him. “Hear Him, St. Peter. Shut your mouth, sinner. Leave behind your ideas about how God is and how God should be worshiped and fix your eyes on Jesus.

Trust His Words. Hold to His promises.”

Jesus was standing on the mountain just like Yahweh! He was talking to the two top prophets of the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah. And if we would listen, we would hear the true glory of God: St. Luke says they were talking about “His exodus which is about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem,” (St. Luke 9:31).

The Exodus was the salvific event in the Old Testament! God brought His people out of Egypt, out of their slavery, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.

Over and over again, God’s prophets make reference to the Exodus. God saved His

people. He will do it again through His Son. On the mountain, Jesus shows that all of the Old Testament pointed to Him! It all is focused on the Exodus that would take place when He died for you on the cross.

There God saved His people from slavery.

There in Jerusalem, on the tree, God shows His love for His people—He dies for them!

For there aren’t two gods: one god of the Old Testament and a nicer, sweeter, god in the New Testament. No, Jesus is the Lord God of the Old Testament! He is the God who saves His people by dying.

“Rise, stop being afraid!”

The Lord speaks to St. Peter, St. James, and St. John. He doesn’t judge them. He doesn’t condemn them. He speaks them out of their fear.

He raises them from their sin and death. They look up and they don’t see the cloud—the majesty of Almighty God. There is only Jesus.

This is Jesus’ greatest Epiphany! This is the culmination of the entire season! Jesus didn’t come to shine like the sun. He didn’t come to condemn sinners or make them afraid. He comes down from the mountain headed for the cross.

That is why He came! He came to die for you and to die for me. That’s what makes the Father so happy! That’s the Epiphany of the Transfiguration: Jesus is headed for Jerusalem. He’s headed into the Lenten season to die, and you will be saved.

Rev. George F. Borghardt is the senior pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bossier City, Louisiana. He also serves as the president of Higher Things.

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Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?

Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:17-19

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Jesus Hits the Spot

By Rev. Aaron T. Fenker

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ell, that hits the spot,” you might say on occasion.

So, what hits the spot for you? For each of us it’s different. Let’s look back on some of the recent holiday meals we’ve enjoyed. Perhaps we fought over which part of the meal we liked the best—the cheesy potatoes, perhaps? Maybe what hits the spot for you also hits the spot for someone else. Then things can get a bit tricky around the dinner table. It’s all a bit subjective, though. What you like, they might not. What they like, you might not—or at least not as much (that’s the hope) so that you can make sure you get enough of “what hits the spot” for you.

“

We need something more than personal preferences. We need more direction in life than just what we feel hits the spot. The account of the 10 lepers in Luke 17 is like a map or a signpost—something objective—that shows us that it’s not a matter of “what hits the spot?” but rather “who marks the spot?” And all the movement in our text—and there’s a lot of it—actually makes it easy to figure it out. There’s only one Target, one Spot, one Person it all revolves around: Jesus.

It all hangs on Him. It must. He put Himself in a particular spot, in a place— Bethlehem, in fact. God was then not God far-off but God near, not God apart-from-us but Immanuel (God-withus, God-one-of-us)—not God of our making, but God made flesh. God has flesh and blood, “body and soul, eyes, ears,” and all the rest—even fingers and toes! God has feet! All of God Himself was in that Baby, “wrapped [up] and lying in a manger.”

He came to the Bethlehem spot, came in flesh and blood, to go willingly into a real tight spot, and so we find Him in our text “on the way to Jerusalem.” There was only one reason to go there—only one reason to take His now grown fingers and toes, to bring His flesh and blood, to the Jerusalem spot. The reason for His coming was because we sin—we miss the spot or the bullseye on the target— daily and much. In fact, the Greek word for “sin” (hamartia) means precisely that: to miss the mark! And at Calvary, with His pierced hands and feet on the Cross,

Jesus, who hits the spot without fail each time, died for our not hitting the target. It all really did hang on Him. But before that, Jesus took a detour to “between Samaria and Galilee.”

And where did He go? What scenic spot did He pick? A leper colony, and a Samaritan one at that! There, in the middle of nowhere, Jesus picks the right spot. He’s exactly where He wants to be, which was the same place they were: amongst lepers! And it had to be them—10 of them. They were lepers from their heads to their toes. Their hands and feet were not just diseased, but worse: they were considered unclean! These 10 had no one else but other lepers. No one, until Jesus.

He picked their spot as His spot.

He came for that, for them. Jesus did all this—Bethlehem, Samaria, and Calvary—for the one, for the nine, for you. No part of you is left out of the Lord’s FOR YOU. Not just your soul, but your body, your “eyes, ears, and all your members.” You—inside and out, body and soul, from your head to your feet— are all covered by the Lord’s doing, working, and walking FOR YOU. So, off to the Jesus spot. There was no place else to try, after all. All that these poor lepers had was each other. All 10 together:“Jesus, Master, have mercy!”“Off to the priests with you,” He says. Off they go, and then came the cleansing! No more spots! No more blemishes could keep them separated from their family and loved ones, nor could they keep them from the Lord either. It was true body and soul cleansing.

Immanuel Jesus, God-with-Feet Jesus, isn’t just for Jews or Samaritans, or even just for Americans. No, He’s certainly for all, came for all, died for all. But He’s much more personal than all that. He doesn’t just come for all. He came for all 10 of them, for the nine who need nothing more of Him, and for the one who needs nothing else but Him. He comes for you, too. Yes, you. Only you.

So, off to the cleansing spot. He makes your spot His spot. He comes here for you. Your spots were His spots, and now you’ve got none of them.

He went His way from the Bethlehem spot to the Calvary spot to do it. Godwith-feet Jesus is that way for you.

Where He is, there is cleansing. He puts it right at the font, where He’ll meet you, ordinary you, with His cleansing.

Your leprosy, your sin, will be baptized away. He’ll give a Word of forgiveness, an Absolution, private, just for you. He gives you the medicine of eternal life through His Body and Blood.

So, what hits the spot? Depends.

Enjoy it, though! All good gifts are from Jesus’ and your heavenly Father.

But He gives such gifts to all, even the unbeliever, given from sea to shining sea in particularity to each, some more, some less.

The Lepers needed a God who gave undiminishedly. They needed a God in a spot, and that’s the God they got. He’s yours, too. He’s God with you, God with all of us, Immanuel, God made flesh, always more and more, both now and forever.

Rev. Aaron T. Fenker is the pastor of Bethlehem and Immanuel Lutheran churches in Bremen, Kansas. He is also the media executive for Higher Things.

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Metaphors, Grammar, and Scripture, Oh My!

By Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz

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For as long as I can remember, I have always loved reading good books. Ironically though, when I was in junior high and high school, grammar, sentence structure, and verb tenses in English class made my eyes glaze over quicker than a donut on a Krispy Kreme conveyor belt.

It wasn’t until Greek and Hebrew class in college that I began to appreciate and love those elementary school grammar lessons. Language, grammar, and words are important in our daily life. There is homework at school, projects at work, and correcting the autocorrect on our text messages.

Not to mention, a little comma is all that might stand between a polite dinner reminder and outright cannibalism.“It’s time to eat, Grandma.” Or “It’s time to eat Grandma.” You see, grammar saves lives.

Words, grammar, and language are not only important in our daily lives at school or work, but in our Christian lives as well. Words matter. Theological words have important definitions, meanings, and significance in the Christian faith.

This is one reason why Martin Luther filled his Small Catechism with a simple, yet memorable question: “What does this mean?”

Think about how important words are in the Christian faith. By His Word, God speaks creation into existence: “Let there be light,” and it was so. By His Word, God promises Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that all nations of the earth would be blessed through their Offspring, who is Christ. By His Word, God spoke in many and various ways to the prophets of the Old Testament and to the apostles and evangelists in the New Testament. By His Word, God promised that the Word would be made flesh for us in Mary’s womb. By His Word, Jesus raised the dead (like Lazarus), and promised to die and rise for you. By His Word, Jesus promises to forgive our sin in Holy Absolution. By His Word and water, Jesus adopts us, clothes us, and cleanses us in Holy Baptism. By His Word with bread and wine, Jesus promises to feed us with His Body and Blood for our forgiveness, life, and salvation.

To communicate this good news, God uses words.“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ,” St. Paul tells us in Romans 10:17. God’s

Word comes to us in words. To bear His message of salvation, God uses writers, language, and grammar, all guided by the Holy Spirit. God used the linguistic skills of the prophets and apostles to weave together a rich tapestry of verb tenses, sentence structure, and language that communicates, proclaims, and delivers God’s saving Word to us.

In our Christian life we are called to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest God’s Word. It is our food, life, and light.

We do this when we study the words that are written as well as how they are written. We can better appreciate what God is communicating to us through His Word when we better understand how He is speaking to us through language.

One of the primary ways the Gospel is communicated in the Scriptures is through a rhetorical device known as metaphor. Metaphors are figures of speech—a way we communicate by relating one thing to another. Scriptures and some of our beloved hymns are full of metaphors. The Psalmist declares that our Lord is a shield and buckler, our refuge and strength. Martin Luther used metaphors like these in his famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” In the New Testament, John’s Gospel is full of metaphors that Jesus declares about himself. We call these the “I AM” sayings.

I AM the Bread of Life. I AM the Light of the World. I AM the Door. I AM the Good Shepherd. I AM the Vine. I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I AM the Resurrection and the Life.

Does this mean that the Gospel itself is metaphorical, or somehow untrue? By no means. To say that God communicates His Word to us through parts of speech, such as metaphor, doesn’t mean that the Gospel is fake, false, or that God doesn’t mean what He says. Quite the opposite. The historical events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for us are communicated to us through language. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the prophets and apostles

make use of rhetorical devices, such as metaphor, simile, and many others, to communicate the very real, historical, and true Good News, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.

Jesus truly is our Bread of life who gives us His body in the bread of Holy Communion. Jesus truly is the Light of the world who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Jesus truly is the Door, who gives us access to the Father. Jesus truly is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us, His sheep. Jesus truly is the Vine who grafts us wild branches into His tree of life, and pours out His saving blood for wine. Jesus truly is the Way, the Truth, and the Life for us. Jesus truly is the Resurrection and the Life in His death and life for you.

So, it’s not just good English grammar that saves lives. God’s Word is unlike any other word. When God speaks, our sins are forgiven, the dead are raised, and new life is given, all through the blessing of His Word. God’s divine grammar saves us.

Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz is the pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach, California.

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Thank God We Are Beggars

By Rev. Harrison Goodman

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e died an outlaw in the same little town he was born in. They found a scrap of paper with scribbled writing in his pocket. “We are beggars. This is true.”

Still, he changed the world. It wasn’t in a “You mean everything to me pop ballad” way. Rather, it was in a “You’re allowed to believe differently than your government” kind of way, a “You can read the Bible in your own language” kind of way and in a “There is a church that preaches the Gospel purely and administers the sacraments rightly” kind of way. His name was Martin Luther and yes, October 31 has come and gone, but we are still celebrating the fact

that 500 years ago he nailed those 95 Theses to the door of a cathedral and sparked the Reformation. Emperors gave him their ears. Magistrates sought and followed his advice. There’s even a middling denomination that bears his name and loves to argue endlessly on the Internet. That last part isn’t so impressive, but Luther was. Still, he died thinking this:“We are beggars.”

We have hundreds of writings from him—thousands of pages. This little scrap of paper might not be his most exhaustive treatment on a topic, but it’s profound enough. It isn’t just a statement on our sinful, broken nature. It’s a call to look up. After all, beggars can’t be choosers.

We act like that’s always a bad thing. You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit. God’s running the show. We are beggars. Deal with it. It’s too easy to limit God to the Being who’s stronger than you. It’s too common to say we get what we deserve. It’s too simple to look around at the misery and death in the world and assume beggars can never hope for more than scraps.

Luther meant more than “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” He meant it’s not about you at all. Begging is not about what you can earn or buy. It’s not even about what you deserve. It’s about the One to whom you’re begging. Begging relies totally on the one you ask. What kind of God do you have? St. Paul tells us about the heart of that God we have and how we don’t get what we deserve: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15).

God doesn’t reveal Himself in power, but in mercy. If you want to know who you’re begging to, look to the cross of Christ. See what our God was willing to pay to save you. It isn’t just that He can work miracles, although that’s very compelling.

It’s that He loves you enough to pay for all your needs of body and soul. He does this not with gold or silver, but with His holy and precious blood and His innocent suffering and death.

God isn’t just stronger than you. He loves you. We are beggars, but God is merciful. This focus is at the heart of Lutheranism. We are beggars. We dare to look to mercy instead of works. We dare to trust in something bigger than ourselves. We check pride at the door and find identity in Christ. We dare to find hope in audacious places like water and Word. Lutheranism isn’t about Luther. It isn’t a wholesale endorsement of everything he ever did or said.

It’s about Jesus. It’s about mercy.

Christianity isn’t behaving until you earn something nice from Him. It’s begging, and when you know who your God is, it’s comfort. This is true, even for dying men.

God is merciful enough to do more than drop care packages from heaven to the people who deserve them. He takes flesh and bears sin for you upon a cross. He pays for everything we beg Him for with holy blood. He dies and rises for you, not because of who you are, but because of Who He is. We are beggars, but Jesus is merciful. We beg based on a gift already given. We pray based on an identity He insists we have.

He commands us to be baptized. He demands we be brought to Him and given life.

He doesn’t hide in heaven and wait for us to earn our place with Him. He descends to place Himself right into the midst of everything going wrong in our lives, the things done to us and the things we did to ourselves and each other, and carries us out of this valley of death into life.

So we beg a God who will not be far off, and He answers in the same blood that purchased our release. We eat and drink His Body and Blood and so we know where our God is, and more, who He is: mercy.

Rev. Harrison Goodman serves as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Carroll, Nebraska.

He frequently teaches for Higher Things at conferences and via podcast.

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Will the

Real Jesus

Please Stand Up?

By Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard

S

hould we take a hammer and a chisel to the Jesus of the Bible and shape Him into our own personal Jesus? Of course not! However, this does not stop North Americans from swinging a hammer upon a chisel. Now, I am not referring to a literal hammer and a literal chisel, but I am talking about the way in which people fashion the Jesus of the Bible and Creeds into an image of their own choosing, carving out that which is uncomfortable and adding enhancements to please their desires.

Remaking Jesus into the image of people’s choosing results in their having the ability to avoid the real Jesus of the Bible, while also avoiding the difficult decision of entirely rejecting the Lord.

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Creating a false christ in the imagination of the mind makes sense, though, in our North American culture. We personalize just about anything—playlists, food, smartphones, and gifts. So why not customize a Jesus, too? And this is precisely what we do. Going the way of idolatry, we redefine Jesus according to the image, desires, dreams, hopes, and aspirations of our choosing.

We create false christs such as the Giver of Bling, the Feminized, the Mystical Friend, the National Patriot, the Moral Example, the New Moses, and the Mascot. That is to say, we typically reshape and reform Jesus into the image of ourselves, for life is easier when Jesus is redefined to fit our personal agendas and dreams.

Or so we think.

While we might believe that we are doing ourselves a favor by creating false or pseudo-christs, the reality is that they are insufficient. They are indeed inadequate, for they are not able to forgive or recompense our sin. Furthermore, none of these false christs can resurrect us from the dead; they have no power over the jaws of the grave. They crumble and fall at the slightest discomfort. They smash to the ground as we trip and fall into the traps of our own sin and despair. They stare back at us with vacant eyes as we plead for salvation.

The reason these false christs cannot forgive sin and cannot resurrect dead people from the grave is simply that they are not real. Like a craftsman who cuts down a tree and carves the tree into an idol one day and then the next day decides to use it as firewood for his cooking stove, these false christs are essentially puppets of their creators (see Isaiah 44:9–20 for a good description of idolatry). In other words, since these false christs are created by individuals to match their own prevailing preconceived ideas, they are susceptible to changing ideas—an invented savior one moment and firewood the next. These false christs are frail and will never have more power than those who create them, which means that they cannot overcome sin, death, the devil, and the world. Because these false christs are created by individuals who would rather reinterpret Jesus than reject Him entirely, they may possess qualities of the real Jesus, as described in Scripture, yet fail to capture the full essence of the Almighty One, the Savior of our body and souls.

The title of this article is,“Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?” This is not only a question but also our desperate plea of wanting the real Jesus to stand up in the midst of all false christs present in our culture. It is a question and a request for the real Jesus to stand up so we can clearly see who He is and hear about what He has done. But here’s the incredible news: Jesus is already standing. Yes, the real Jesus is already standing.

All the false christs are truly not able to stand on their own.

In fact, they are either propped up by our own strivings or dangled as puppets from the strings of our own preconceived ideas. The real Jesus, however, stood in our place as He became flesh and blood. He walked through the wilderness of depravity on our behalf. He conquered the temptations

to which we so easily succumb. He truly stood in our place in every way, drinking the vile cup of our suffering and sin. He stumbled up a lonely hill and was displayed on a bloody cross.

His body was pierced, and blood and water poured out for us—for each and every one of us who are desperately holding on to tattered, hollow, and fake christs. I pray that these idols fall to the ground and smash open as we hear about the mighty earthquake and believe that the curtain that separated us from a holy and righteous God has been torn in two.

The real Jesus declared from His cross, high above the false idols of our own creations, that “It is finished!” All our sins have been atoned for. Then, after having done what He came to do, having died in our place, He rises up, takes His seat at the right hand of the Father in glory, and makes Himself known through His Word and Sacraments. Indeed, through the Word and Sacraments, we not only hear about who Jesus is and what Jesus did, but we receive Him and His benefits of forgiveness, life, and salvation. And even though our culture and our own lives are like a bunch of reeds blowing in the winds of change, the Word of God does not change.

It remains forever (see Isaiah 40:7–8 about the unchanging Word of God). What this means is that we can meet the real Jesus right here and right now. Through God’s Word, we hear that the real Jesus is God of God (John 1:1), Light of Light (1 John 1:5), very God of very God (1 John 5:20), begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father (John 10:30), by whom all things were made (Colossians 1:15–17); who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven (John 6:38) and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man (Matthew 1:18); and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate (Mark 15:15). He suffered and was buried (Matthew 16:21). And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father (John 20:17).

And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead (Acts 1:10-11), whose kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:33).

This is the real Jesus—the real Jesus you and I do not deserve, but desperately need. This is the real Jesus who is for you. This is the real Jesus who has drawn near to you in His Word to reveal Himself to you, that you might receive Him by faith and be His own. This is the real Jesus: Christ crucified and resurrected, the only one who forgives sin and grants everlasting life, the real Jesus who is for you.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard is pastor of Zion Lutheran Church of Gwinner, North Dakota. He is the author of Concordia Publishing House’s new book, Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs. To learn more about this book, go to: www.cph.org/RealJesus.

THINKING ABOUT MINISTRY? “Taste of the Sem was especially impactful for me.

At this event I saw how God worked in the lives of His people at Concordia Seminary. Now as a seminarian I am beginning to see the same transformation happen in my life as I grow in my knowledge of God and the faith He has given me to ultimately serve others to His glory.”

- RYAN MASSER FIRST-YEAR MASTER OF DIVINITY STUDENT

CHECK OUT HOW

YOU CAN SERVE GOD IN MINISTRY!

TASTE OF THE SEM Feb. 17-19, 2018

(for high school men only)

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801 SEMINARY PLACE • ST. LOUIS, MO 63105 • 800-822-9545 • WWW.CSL.EDU • ADMISSIONS@CSL.EDU

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South Illinois University Carbondale, Illinois

Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota

The University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas

July 24-27, 2018

Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, Washington

July 31-August 3, 2018

Visit

Sanctified2018.org or email conferences@higherthings.org for more details.

“You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.“ (Leviticus 20:26)

Higher Things is pleased to announce the 2018 conferences: “Sanctified.” Join us next summer as we look at the Commandments and how God has called us to be His own people in Christ.

You will have no other gods before my face. You will not misuse my Name or despise My Word. You will keep my Sabbath Day holy. You will honor your father and your mother. You will not murder. You will not commit adultery. You will not steal. You will not bear false testimony against your neighbor. You will not covet—not your neighbor’s house, or his neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

“I’m the Lord God, Who brought you out of Egypt. I have saved you. I’ve saved you from slavery in Egypt.

I’ve saved you from your sins. You will be holy to me. You are holy to me because I’m holy.”

July 10-13, 2018

July 3-6, 2018

2018 HIGHER THINGS CONFERENCES

2018 HIGHER THINGS CONFERENCES

Sanctified Sanctified

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Sanctified 2018 HIGHER THINGS CONFERENCES

July 3-6, 2018

July 10-13, 2018

Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota

South Illinois University Carbondale, Illinois

July 24-27, 2018 The University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas

Why Higher Things?

We live in a culture of blurry religious distinctions and do-it-yourself spirituality.

Youth, especially, need solid ground that will nurture lasting Christian faith. Rather than treating youth as an adolescent subculture and confusing them with religious experiences that cannot be replicated at home, Higher Things believes in challenging youth to learn the pure doctrine of the Christian faith. By teaching them the same message that they hear at home, youth grow in the fullness of the Christian faith as they come to appreciate historic liturgical practice and its unique focus on God’s gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation for us delivered in Word and Sacrament.

The Theme: Sanctified

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“I’m the Lord God, Who brought you out of Egypt. I have saved you. I’ve saved you from slavery in Egypt. I’ve saved you from your sins. You will be holy to me. You are Holy to me because I’m holy.

You’ll have no other gods before my face. You will not misuse my Name or despise My Word. You’ll keep my Sabbath Day holy. You will honor your father and your mother. You will not murder. You will not commit adultery. You will not steal. You will not bear false testimony against your neighbor. You will not covet—not

July 31-August 3, 2018 Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, Washington

your neighbor’s house, nor his neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Higher Things is pleased to announced the 2018 Conferences: “Sanctified.” Join us this summer as we look at the Ten Commandments and how God has called us to be His own people in Christ.

“You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.” (Leviticus 20:26)

Registration Download a Registration Packet with detailed registration information and instructions at Sanctified2018.org.

Registration will open on November 1, 2017 and close as each site reaches capacity. We work very diligently to keep costs as low as possible while providing the best conferences we can – every year! The per-person rates below are based on the date your group’s registration fees are paid in full.

Additional fees may apply for registrations and changes made on or after May 1, 2018.

Balances paid on or after May 1, 2018 will be subject to a $25 per-person late fee. See the Registration Packet for more information about fees and deadlines.

Sanctified

Carleton College, MN (July 3-6, 2018) Southern Illinois University, IL (July 10-13, 2018) The University Kansas, KS (July 24-27, 2018) 2018 HIGHERofTHINGS CONFERENCES Pacific Lutheran University, WA (July 31-August 3, 2018) Your Registration Fee includes:

• All conference programming • • • • • •

(Catechesis, Worship, Entertainment) Three (3) nights of campus housing (double-capacity) Nine (9) Meals (Tuesday supper through Friday lunch) Conference Handbook Daily Services Book Conference T-Shirt Free issue of Higher Things magazine

Not only can you register your group online at Sanctified2018.org, you can pay deposits and your balance online for no additional charge too! All you need is a valid HT Online account. If you don’t have one yet, you can sign up for one at www.higherthings.org.

Age Requirements Higher Things conferences are generally planned for high-school-aged youth, but registrants may be any youth who have been confirmed prior to the conference, including middle school and college students. We recognize that the ages of confirmed youth vary from congregation to congregation, and just ask that if a group is bringing young people who are not yet confirmed or in high school, their group leaders be prepared to provide additional supervision accordingly.

EARLY BIRD! Nov. 1, 2017 to Jan. 31, 2018

REGULAR Feb. 1, 2018 to April 30, 2018

LATE (on or after May 1, 2018)

$355

$385

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Chaperones Chaperones must be at least 21 years old at the time of the Conference, and approved by the Group’s pastor to serve in that role. There must be at least one (1) male Chaperone for up to every seven (7) male youth in a registered group, and at least one (1) female Chaperone for up to every seven (7) female youth in the group. There is no restriction on the number of Chaperones that may register with a group. All Chaperones and other adults in a group must complete the Registration process.

If a Group needs assistance in finding Chaperones for the number of Youth they’re bringing, Higher Things can provide a list of Group Leaders from their area who may be contacted to ask if they would be willing to help out. Please contact the Conference Registrar (registrar@ higherthings.org) for this assistance.

All Higher Things staff, volunteers, and leadership have completed child safety training and annual background checks. All adults/chaperones registered to attend a Higher Things conference must also pass a national criminal and sexual predator background check by May 1 of the conference calendar year. See the Registration Packet for more information about background checks.

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Upcoming HT Retreats! www.higherthings.org/retreats

Heaven on Earth

February 17-18, 2018 Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin Speaker: Rev. Dr. Arthur Just

21st Century Challenges to a 1st Century Faith February 22-23, 2018 Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Speaker: Rev. William Cwirla

His Blood Is Life

March 16, 2018 Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Speaker: Rev. Mark Buetow

501 and Beyond

April 13-14, 2018 Camp IO-DIS-E-CA, Solon, IA Speaker: Rev. Brett Simek

The Christian Conscience

April 20-21, 2018 Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hankinson, ND Speaker: Rev. Brian Wolfmueller

Why Do Bad Things Happen to “Seemingly” Good People?

May 4-5 , 2018 St. John’s Lutheran Church in Westfield, Massachusetts Speaker: Rev. John Dreyer

Would you like more information about hosting a Higher Things Retreat at your congregation?

Email retreats@higherthings.org

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W

hen I was growing up, there were times when I wasn’t sure that God was listening. Was He there? Was He hearing my prayers? Even if I wasn’t sure, I still prayed, still went to church, still believed what I was learning in the services and Bible classes, still believed that He was (and is) truly present in Holy Communion—His Body and Blood—and now and then, I did see that yes, He was there and yes, He was answering my prayers.

He even answered in ways I never could have thought to ask. I’m betting you experience these sorts of feelings as well.

Now that I am grown up, I’ve learned to look back and see how God has worked in my life, even when I wasn’t aware that He was doing so. In fact, since my husband and I have been married, God has blessed us so many times, including in ways that we didn’t know we needed. Here are just a couple of examples from our life together: My husband and I always wanted to have a family, but we had not yet had a child during the first nine years of our marriage. We had been living in Kansas when my husband was offered a job in Arizona. All we knew was that it would be a great opportunity for him to grow and advance that he wouldn’t have had in Kansas. We didn’t realize at the time that there was a very good doctor here in Arizona who would be able to help us get our family started. Thus, our prayer for a family was answered in our move to Arizona. Our beautiful baby boy was

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He Is Al

born just after our 10th anniversary, and we couldn’t have been happier. We didn’t know then how much he would bless our lives with his smile, his joy, his wit and imagination.

We also had no way of knowing that our son would be diagnosed with autism. Perhaps you’ve seen that term all over social media but might not really know what it’s about. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the neurological function of the brain in the areas of language and the ability to communicate, social skills, behavior, and how the brain processes sensory information. When you dream about having a child, you imagine life being as perfect as it could possibly be. You imagine your child being the star of his class, all the conversations you’ll have as he starts talking and growing up, wondering about how you’ll react when, as a teenager, he will start dating…You don’t think about your child, this perfect gift from God, having a developmental disability like autism.

And when you find out, your hopes and dreams may start to crumble. But God has taken care of that for us, too. As it turns out, Arizona has some of the best resources in the country for families who are affected by autism. Apparently, families come from all over just because they can get help here that doesn’t exist elsewhere. This was yet another blessing that God bestowed on us without our asking. God worked it out so that we ended up moving to the very best place we could be, two years before our son was born.

These events—our move 1,000 miles away from my family and discovering that our son has an Autism Spectrum Disorder—have been some of the most difficult we have had to endure. But at the same time, we realize that God has been with us and has blessed us even as we have struggled.

The point is, that difficult situation you find yourself in may have a purpose that you can’t see yet. That doesn’t mean that right now it isn’t overwhelming and I’m not going to say that you’ll

always find a blessing at the end of it, but you might.

If you look at your struggles as something that could have a blessing attached, even if you can’t see it at the time, it might bring you comfort. Regardless, in all things, try to keep the line of communication with God open. He is listening, and He is taking care of you all the time. He is there.

God tells us to look for Him where He is found, namely in the comforting words of the Bible, in the preaching of the Word at your church, in the Body and Blood in Holy Communion, and especially in your Baptism. He can see every tear that falls from your eyes when life is just too much to handle, and all the joy that fills your heart when something goes right. He will never leave you. Pray to Him. Lean on His Son, who understands your pain—not just when you feel like your life is in shambles, but also when you’re joyful. Talk to Him, listen to His Word, partake in His Supper. He has a plan for you and those in your life that only He knows. Trust Him. These two examples have been wonderful things in our lives showing us how the Lord has been working, even when we felt abandoned. You might be able to look back over your life and find similar blessings. However, here is the great catch!

Whether we can look back in our lives and see the Lord working or whether we cannot, we have the sure confidence that the Lord works in our lives every single time that we hear His Word and receive the blessed Sacraments! Truly, we taste and hear and see the forgiveness of sins in the Word and Sacraments. So, whether or not we can see the Lord working in our circumstances, we can KNOW that He is always working to deliver us forgiveness, life, and salvation.

Erica M. Olson lives in Mesa, Arizona with her husband and son. She is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Always There

By Erica M. Olson

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“Pray Then Like This…”

By Katie Hill

“I couldn’t have said it better myself!”

Sometimes we think about prayer like that, particularly

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when we hear someone pray aloud and marvel at how wellcrafted their prayer sounds. Perhaps we even struggle at times in the quiet of our bedroom to put the words together that adequately communicate to God what we’re thinking.

Let’s face it…there are definitely times when it’s difficult to know what or how to pray.

Thankfully, while we have the amazing freedom in Christ to come before our Father and pray with words of our own choosing, there are many wonderfully written prayers we can draw from to give us direction. From the very words of Scripture, to believers throughout the ages, to our pastors, we are blessed with numerous sources of prayers. Such prayers are gifts from God to help us as we pray.

As a convert to Lutheranism I have rediscovered the tremendous value of at-the-ready prayers. For a time, in an effort to shed my Roman Catholic upbringing, I had disdain for such prayers—thinking that they were mechanical and not truly heartfelt. I assumed the only real prayers were ones that I came up with on my own. How wrong I was!

I even thought the recitation of pre-written prayers was exactly what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 6 when He said, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for

their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (v.7). But, is a written prayer that you might utilize (perhaps repeatedly) what Jesus is talking about here? Not at all! If anything, a prepared prayer is deliberately thoughtful—far from what can be described as empty.

Back when Jesus was teaching this, it was a common pagan belief that one’s words—in and of themselves when said exactly in the right manner—could accomplish things. We know that prayer is not magical and that it is an act of worship wherein we recognize that God’s will WILL be done and we humbly lay our requests before Him. It is meaningful communication.

Jesus follows up His teaching in verse 9 by giving us the Lord’s Prayer—“Pray then like this”—which are words He deliberately gifted to us, which we can pray, commit to memory, and utter countless times.

So is a prayer that you put together off the cuff more genuine than a prayer authored by someone else? Not necessarily. If you are earnestly praying, it doesn’t matter if you are crafting a prayer as you go or if you are praying and reading through an ancient prayer that was lifted up to God by Christians hundreds of years ago. A “Thank you, Jesus!” uttered during a moment of gratitude is genuine. A read through a Psalm reflectively is genuine. God hears you, regardless, not because of your word choice, or even because your mindset or heart is on point— because let’s face it, that’s not always happening. God hears you for the sake of Christ.

Our Divine Service liturgy, along with all our other Daily Offices (Matins, Vespers, Evening Prayer, etc.), is packed with prayers that come from David, Moses, Mary, Simeon, and many others from the Scriptures.

Some of them are probably locked into your brain by now. That’s beneficial because in those moments when you are reaching for something to say, you can cry out with words that are ready for recall.

There are some great Lutheran resources you can get your hands on, whether they are books or in a digital format. Your Lutheran Service Book has all the prayers that show up in the various settings for Divine Services, other worship times and a myriad of other prayers. The Treasury of Daily Prayer provides a convenient daily reading schedule that includes prayers, Psalms, readings and hymnody.

There is, however, a handy, inexpensive little book, The Lutheran Book of Prayer, that is a great resource of prayers for many situations in which you may find yourself. This little book features prayers about everything from job loss to anxiety, from holidays to wedding days. There are prayers to start your day and prayers to end your day.

The importance of having prayers like this to draw from has never been more evident to me than now. You see, for about a four-year period of time,

my daughter, a Higher Things conference attendee, spurned her Baptism. It was devastating to watch the child I had seen revel in the Gospel she heard preached at church and promoted by Higher Things, turn her back on her faith.

Thanks be to God that just a few short months ago, the Holy Spirit quickened my daughter’s heart and she embraced her Baptism. And one of the first things she asked me was if I had her Bible and her Lutheran Book of Prayer. I have asked her to share her thoughts: “I found the Lutheran Book of Prayer for the first time on my mom’s nightstand one evening back when I was a freshman in college. I opened it and realized that it was truly a book full of different prayers for all sorts of occasions. I thought it was incredibly helpful, since I wasn’t very comfortable at coming up with good things to say when put on the spot. I would always seize up when asked to pray at the dinner table. I think about it like this: using the Book of Prayer is almost like selecting a Hallmark card for someone you love and care about—sometimes such cards express perfectly what you want to say. Prayers in the Lutheran Book of Prayer also communicate everything I want to pray without the need for me to write them myself or come up with my own words on the spot. It’s anxiety-free prayer-on-the-go for every moment of praise, gratitude, and time of need.

As a prodigal daughter, I feel the need to have the Book of Prayer with me again, as I remembered how much it helped me talk to God. If I was jittery at the thought of coming up with my own prayers when I was in college, believe me when I say that now I struggle to even feel worthy enough to talk to God. These prayers remind me that I can freely talk with my Father even though I feel lacking.

They remind me that I have a crucified and risen Savior who cares for me and makes me worthy.”

As Lutherans, we have such a wealth of materials to help us when we pray. I can’t encourage you enough to take advantage of any of the books I have mentioned, among many others. Not only will they provide direction and focus as you express your prayers, they will remind you of the Good News that you are a child of a King, who abundantly blesses you with forgiveness of sins through His gifts of Word and Sacrament.

Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

(Psalm 141:2) Katie Hill is the editor of Higher Things Magazine.

She can be reached at katie.hill@higherthings.org.

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Check Out High Things

Online Media

Daring to be Lutheran... and having a blast!

HT Video Shorts: Each week, Pastor George Borghardt, the president of Higher Things puts out new videos on our YouTube channel. Pastor Borghardt answers questions from youth and tackles current events on Thursdays. If you have a question or topic that you’d like covered in a Vlog, please email them to support@higherthings.org.

HT FB Live: On our HT Media Facebook page, we have several Pastors producing video devotions throughout the week. Join Pastor David Vandercook for Mondays in the Psalter. Pastor Jacob Ehrhard has Small Catechism Tuesdays. Pastor Harrison Goodman is working his way through Luther’s Large Catechism on Wednesdays.

HT Podcasts: Listen to “Gospeled Boldly” with Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke. They work through books of the Bible giving fresh insight to the texts, as John says, “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.” Join Pastors Donovan Riley and Christopher Gillespie on “As Lutheran As It Gets” where they discuss the writings and sermons of our Lutheran forefathers and show how their preaching of the Gospel enlivens our own preaching, teaching, and more importantly, receiving of the very same Gospel.

Keep up to date with all HT content on Facebook: facebook.com/HigherThings.

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INVOCA Liturgical Catechesis

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By Rev. William M. Cwirla

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e’re going to take a little detour in our walk through the Small Catechism to do some “liturgical catechesis,” connecting the liturgy to the catechism and asking the big catechism question “What does this mean?” of various parts of the Divine Service.

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Let’s begin at the beginning.

“In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” The Divine Service begins with an “invocation” of the Triune God. To invoke means to call upon. In the Invocation, we are calling upon the Name of the Triune God. You might recognize this formula from Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commissions His disciples to make disciples by baptizing “in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” It doesn’t get more Trinitarian than that. In fact, had Jesus not said it that way, we wouldn’t be saying it either.

The Invocation is a good example of liturgical shorthand. It’s not even a complete sentence!

Liturgical language tends to be dense, compact speech, not wasting a lot of words—much like the Creed with its theology densely packed into short, punchy phrases. “In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” means something like this: “We have been gathered here by the Holy Spirit as God’s baptized children under the lordship of Jesus Christ to hear His Word, receive His gifts, lay claim in faith to His promises, and call upon Him in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving according to His command and promise.” That’s quite a mouthful, isn’t it? It’s far more economical simply to say, “In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

The Invocation reminds us of who we are. We have been named and claimed by God. We are baptized, reborn “from above” children of God, who through water and the Holy Spirit have been called, gathered, enlightened, sanctified, and kept in Jesus Christ. As God’s children, we are given to pray “hallowed be Thy Name,” asking that God’s Name would be holy on our lips and in our lives, in our words and work, and that we as the children of God would reflect our Father who is in heaven.

We are gathered “in the Name” to call upon God’s Name in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving as He has commanded us in the 2nd Commandment and has promised to hear us.

The Invocation is a confession of who God is, and it distinguishes Christian worship from all other religious gatherings. There are many “gods” in this world and many names by which those “gods” are named.

To invoke the Name of God is to lay claim to His promises. God’s Name is God in action. When Moses was sent to Pharaoh in Egypt to lead the Israelites out of captivity, one of the first things he asked of God in the burning bush was “What is your Name?”

Moses couldn’t just show up on Pharaoh’s doorstep by his own authority. He needed to know the Name of the God who was sending him, and with the Name of God comes everything that God is and

CATION

does: His authority, power, might, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. There is power to save in the Name of God, and that saving power is made known to us in the liturgy of Word and Sacrament.

It is customary to cross oneself at the Invocation with the words “and of the Son.” This gesture reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins on the cross and of our baptismal union with Jesus in His death and life. In Baptism, we were marked with the sign of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and now, as newborn soldiers of the Crucified One who bear His mark on our brows, we invoke the Triune Name in our battle against the devil, the unbelieving world, and our own sinful flesh. The troops are gathered in the Name of the Lord of Hosts.

The Invocation is echoed in the Benediction, the last words of the liturgy. What begins in the Name ends in the Name. In the Name of God we are gathered, and in the Name of God we are scattered into our various priestly vocations in the world to serve our neighbor in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

I bind unto myself today The strong name of the Trinity By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three.

(Lutheran Service Book #604) Rev. William M. Cwirla is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, and is a president emeritus of Higher Things. He can be reached at wcwirla@gmail.com.

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Thank God We Are Beggars A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY • Winter 2017

1

The name Lazarus comes from the Hebrew name Eliezer, which means “God is my help.” How did Lazarus’s life reflect the meaning of his name?

2

Continue reading Luke 16:22-23. There is an obvious difference between the rich man and Lazarus in death. What is unique about how Lazarus gets to his destination?

6

3

7

Continue reading Luke 16:24-26. Abraham says that the rich man received good things in his life, and Lazarus received bad things, and that’s why they ended up in their respective eternities. Does that mean that God repays with a kind of karma? Or is there a different meaning to the rich man “receiving” his good things and Lazarus “receiving” bad things?

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5

Read Luke 16:19-21. What distinguishes the rich man from Lazarus? Take a look at the verbs describing the rich man and those describing Lazarus. Is there any difference?

4

Continue reading Luke 16:27-31. The rich man tries to strike a deal. What is he hoping to achieve by his bargaining? How does he want to achieve it?

To be a beggar implies that everything in life is a gift. What is the root problem of the rich man (see Luke 16:14-17)? How does Lazarus teach you to be a beggar before God? Finally, what does Abraham say at the end of this story is the only thing that can teach you to live as a Lazarus?

8

Close by composing a “wreath prayer” based upon Luke 16:19-31. Write down a prayer of four parts: 1) a teaching from the reading; 2) a thanksgiving based upon that reading; 3) a confession of sins; 4) a prayer or supplication asking God to provide something; and by singing Lutheran Service Book #708.

To access the Leader’s Guide for this study, as well as Bible studies for articles in this issue and previous issues, as a part of an HTOnline subscription, point your browser to: higherthings.org/magazine/biblestudies.html.

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A Special Topical Issue:

Evangelism

• Feel Free to Pass on the Good News!

• The Liturgy: Tried and True Evangelism • It’s All About the Seed, Not the Sower • We Don’t “Do” Evangelism

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In This Issue:

Absolution Is the Answer • The Two Parts of Repentance • The Fruitful Downtime of Divine Service • Willing All This I Suffer for You

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“He Is Always There” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction The article that this study is based on shares deep emotions with us: joy at the birth of a child, confusion over what life will look like through difficult trials and struggles, and true peace in Jesus who promises to be with us always. One book that is particularly helpful in dealing with intense situations is the book of Psalms. Often called the prayer book of the Bible, the Psalms give us words when we don’t know what to say—words of complaint, words of hope, words of comfort, the Word of Christ for you. The Psalms recognize that sometimes it seems as if God isn’t there and assure us that even if it feels like God is absent, He is always there.

Opening Prayer Begin by praying through Psalm 119:17-18: Father in Heaven, “Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” In Jesus name, Amen.

1. Read Psalm 130. We aren’t sure who the author of this Psalm was, but we know that it addresses some sort of peril of body or soul. Where does the Psalmist’s cry come from? (see verse 1) The Psalmist is crying to God from the depths. We are unsure exactly what these depths are. They may be a result of his enemies’ oppression as we often see. They may be the result of his sin, or they may be the result of a situation we are completely unaware of. Describe a situation in the modern world that you would consider “the depths.”

Answers will vary, but the situation should be of great weight. Encourage participants to reference the article and ask them to explore the emotions associated with these sorts of situations.

2. The beginning of this Psalm certainly sounds like a child calling out to his or her Father. The Bible is clear that as baptized believers we are truly children of God! How are our prayers similar to a conversation between a parent and child?

God has made us His children in baptism, and He wants to hear from us! The Scriptures encourage believers to refer to God as “Father” or even “Abba”, a more intimate way of referring to one’s father. A Father loves to listen to hear the voice of his children, even though young children might not always know the right words to say. Even if we don’t have an enormous request, our Father still wants to hear his children. Often in difficult situations we sound like we are begging our dad. We are faced with situations that we simply cannot overcome, and cry out to our heavenly Father, relying on his care, grace, and mercy.

3. The Psalmist is crying out to God and begging for Him to listen. We know that God always hears our prayers, but sometimes the speed with which He answers is not what we would like. Is there a prayer you have had to “wait on God” to answer for a long time?

Encourage to the students to think for a bit. Answers will vary.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

4. The Psalmist is presenting a plea to God—not a demand or even a simple request—but a plea. Often our worship services model this when every petition of a prayer is followed by “Lord have mercy” or “Hear our prayer.” Where else in our worship service do we plead with God? How can we plead with God outside the worship service?

We make a plea to Him in the confession to hear us and forgive our sins. We plead with Him in our songs and prayers as well. There is a rhythm of call and response between the people and the pastor as he speaks in the stead and by the command of Christ, forgiving our sins in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We can use the same prayers we use in worship to make our requests known to God. Psalms, hymns, and prayers from the hymnal are helpful as we voice our requests, worries, concerns, and joys.

5. Reflect on verses 3 and 4 of the Psalm. What would be the result if God kept a record of wrongs? How does this impact the character of our prayers?

If God kept a record of wrongs, we couldn’t stand either temporally or eternally. We simply cannot bear the weight of our sin. We can’t make up for it, we can’t undo it, we can’t fix it. The ONLY way for us to “stand” is for God to intervene. We come to God fully reliant on Christ, with no merit or worthiness of our own.

There is no reason why God should or must answer us. He does so out of His Fatherly grace and mercy for the sake of His Son, Jesus.

6. The Psalmist says that his soul waits for the Lord. This signifies a deep longing for the deliverance that God will bring to his soul. How is this longing satisfied for us?

Even as we wait and long for God, we know that He is always with us. Jesus gave the Holy Spirit, who works in the Word and Sacraments, so that we might never be alone. These things satisfy this longing in us. We have the promise that Jesus is always with us, even as we long for the day when He returns, and we stand in the presence of God. 7. Verses 5, 7, and 8 (among others) show that the Psalmist trusts that God is there and will work on behalf of His people, even though his cry comes “from the depths.” How does the assurance of God’s forgiveness and grace help us when we face difficult situations?

Answers will vary. Christ’s work on our behalf assures us that we are justified or “right” before God. His suffering on the cross reminds us that we have a Savior who knows suffering worse than we can imagine.

His resurrection from the dead reminds us that God raises and restores His Son and will raise and restore us after our trials on this earth are over. Even if death were to claim us “in the depths” we can count on a resurrection like that of Jesus because we are tied to Him in Holy Baptism.

Closing Pray or chant Psalm 130 together.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“He Is Always There” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Opening Prayer Begin by praying through Psalm 119:17-18: Father in Heaven, “Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” In Jesus name, Amen.

1. Read Psalm 130. We aren’t sure who the author of this Psalm was, but we know that it addresses some sort of peril of body or soul. Where does the Psalmist’s cry come from? (see verse 1)

2. The beginning of this Psalm certainly sounds like a child calling out to his or her Father. The Bible is clear that as baptized believers we are truly children of God! How are our prayers similar to a conversation between a parent and child?

3. The Psalmist is crying out to God and begging for Him to listen. We know that God always hears our prayers, but sometimes the speed with which He answers is not what we would like. Is there a prayer you have had to “wait on God” to answer for a long time?

4. The Psalmist is presenting a plea to God—not a demand or even a simple request—but a plea. Often our worship services model this when every petition of a prayer is followed by “Lord have mercy” or “Hear our prayer.” Where else in our worship service do we plead with God? How can we plead with God outside the worship service?

5. Reflect on verses 3 and 4 of the Psalm. What would be the result if God kept a record of wrongs? How does this impact the character of our prayers?

6. The Psalmist says that his soul waits for the Lord. This signifies a deep longing for the deliverance that God will bring to his soul. How is this longing satisfied for us?

7. Verses 5, 7, and 8 (among others) show that the Psalmist trusts that God is there and will work on behalf of His people, even though his cry comes “from the depths.” How does the assurance of God’s forgiveness and grace help us when we face difficult situations?

Closing Pray or chant Psalm 130 together. © 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“Thank God We Are Beggars” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction This Bible study will work through the story of the beggar, Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31. Participants will perform a simple “exegesis” (pulling out the meaning) of the text, and make some applications for themselves. At the end of this Bible study, participants will see Lazarus as an example of a beggar whose help is in the Lord; they will find that help in the writings of Holy Scripture; and they will appreciate being a beggar before God. 1. Read Luke 16:19-21. What distinguishes the rich man from Lazarus? Take a look at the verbs describing the rich man and those describing Lazarus. Is there any difference?

There are immediate and obvious differences between the rich man and Lazarus that the participants will likely say right away. A subtler difference is in the verbs used to describe the two men. The rich man performs active verbs and Lazarus is the subject of passive verbs (depending on your translation, this may or may not come through). Point out to the participants that the rich man worked for himself, while Lazarus received from others.

2. Continue reading Luke 16:22-23. There is an obvious difference between the rich man and Lazarus in death. What is unique about how Lazarus gets to his destination?

Again, the outward difference between the rich man and Lazarus is obvious. Lazarus dies and goes to heaven, while the rich man is tortured in hell. But the story shows us two things. First, Lazarus still receives from others—the angels carry him to Abraham’s side. Second, the rich man finally receives from someone else—he is buried. This means that death is the great equalizer. You may be able to help yourself in your life, but in death you cannot.

3. Continue reading Luke 16:24-26. Abraham says that the rich man received good things in his life, and Lazarus received bad things, and that’s why they ended up in their respective eternities. Does that mean that God repays with a kind of karma? Or is there a different meaning to the rich man “receiving” his good things and Lazarus “receiving” bad things?

God does not operate by karma (what goes around comes around). Rather, Abraham’s speech to the rich man is about how they lived their lives before God. The rich man “received” his good things from his own hand, or so he thought. Lazarus had nothing, and what he did have came from the generosity of others.

4. Continue reading Luke 16:27-31. The rich man tries to strike a deal. What is he hoping to achieve by his bargaining? How does he want to achieve it?

After Abraham highlights the disparity in the lives of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man attempts to strike a deal to save his brothers, all presumably rich and in the same position as he was. But in his bargaining, he hopes to prove that he’s not that bad of a person, and deserves some relief from his suffering, and perhaps a seat next to Abraham as well.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

5. The name Lazarus comes from the Hebrew name Eliezer, which means “God is my help.” How did Lazarus’s life reflect the meaning of his name?

In his life, Lazarus could only receive. He had nothing to offer in exchange for the kindness of others.

Likewise, before God, Lazarus had the same position. Unlike the rich man, who provided for himself, Lazarus had to trust on help from others, and at his last hour he relied on help from God. 6. To be a beggar implies that everything in life is a gift. What is the root problem of the rich man (see Luke 16:14-17)? How does Lazarus teach you to be a beggar before God? Those who love money are self-justifiers. The attitude of working for yourself has spiritual consequences.

The rich man thought he was owed something from God. Lazarus, on the other hand, teaches us to be beggars before God, to rely on His grace alone, and to receive everything—both good and bad—as a gift from God. 7. Finally, what does Abraham say at the end of this story is the only thing that can teach you to live as a Lazarus?

Miraculous appearances from the dead will not convince someone to be a Lazarus. That wisdom is only found in Moses and the Prophets, that is, in the Word of God.

Closing Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“Thank God We Are Beggars” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY

1. Read Luke 16:19-21. What distinguishes the rich man from Lazarus? Take a look at the verbs describing the rich man and those describing Lazarus. Is there any difference?

2. Continue reading Luke 16:22-23. There is an obvious difference between the rich man and Lazarus in death. What is unique about how Lazarus gets to his destination?

3. Continue reading Luke 16:24-26. Abraham says that the rich man received good things in his life, and Lazarus received bad things, and that’s why they ended up in their respective eternities. Does that mean that God repays with a kind of karma? Or is there a different meaning to the rich man “receiving” his good things and Lazarus “receiving” bad things?

4. Continue reading Luke 16:27-31. The rich man tries to strike a deal. What is he hoping to achieve by his bargaining? How does he want to achieve it?

5. The name Lazarus comes from the Hebrew name Eliezer, which means “God is my help.” How did Lazarus’s life reflect the meaning of his name?

6. To be a beggar implies that everything in life is a gift. What is the root problem of the rich man (see Luke 16:14-17)? How does Lazarus teach you to be a beggar before God?

7. Finally, what does Abraham say at the end of this story is the only thing that can teach you to live as a Lazarus?

Closing Pray the Lord’s Prayer together. © 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“Liturgical Catechesis: Invocation” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction In this Bible study, participants will consider various teachings from Scripture that relate to the Invocation and the Name of God in worship. At the conclusion of this Bible study, participants will confess Holy Baptism as the foundation for worship in the name of Jesus; they will appreciate worship as a work of God; and they will be moved by the Name to live under the cross in their vocations.

1. Read Matthew 28:16-20. What two things make a disciple of Jesus? What is significant about where this command occurs within the story of Jesus’ life? What is significant about how this command relates to our lives as Christians, and to Christian worship?

Baptizing and teaching are the two activities that make disciples. Jesus gives this command at the end of His ministry on earth, after His passion, death, and resurrection. Thus, Baptism in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a ceremony that communicates the benefits of Jesus’ death; this is implied when Jesus says to teach “everything that I have commanded you.” Participants may think of many points of significance for how the baptismal command relates to our lives as Christians and to Christian worship.

The Bible study facilitator might direct them to the fact that Jesus’ ministry on earth ends with the gift of His Name in Holy Baptism, and Christian worship begins with the same Name, thus indicating that the ministry of Jesus continues in Christian worship.

2. Worship begins with the invocation of the name of God. Read Matthew 18:15-20. What does the name say about our worship? Note the voice of the verb in the final verse—is it active or passive?

What does this mean about who does the work in gathering for worship?

Along with the Name of Jesus comes the promise of His presence. First, the Name of Jesus is invoked in the context of forgiveness. Second, where two are three are gathered in the Name of Jesus, Jesus is also there.

The Invocation is an indication that Jesus is present among His people to forgive sins, and for that forgiveness to extend to others. The verb “are gathered” is a perfect, passive, participle. It means that when the name of Jesus is invoked, it is God who does the work, we are passive recipients of His gathering and His presence.

3. In Isaiah 43:1-2, the Lord speaks another name. Who does He address by name in this passage, and what promise does He give? How might this verse be interpreted in light of the New Testament and Christian worship?

Isaiah 43 is originally addressed to Jacob (Israel) as a people, though it recalls the story of God renaming Jacob after He wrestles with him. Connected to the name is God’s promise of redemption. Just as we invoke God’s Name in worship, God also calls His people by name. Holy Baptism is the place when God speak the names of His people individually and applies this same promise to them. Christian worship, therefore, is the place where the ongoing promises of Baptism are carried out for those whom God names as His own.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

4. The Invocation is a confession that your name is connected to the Name of Jesus in worship. Read Philippians 2:1-11. What does this say about the rhythm of worship?

Philippians 2 includes a hymn of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation, concluding with the Name that is above every name, the Name of Jesus. When the Name of Jesus is invoked, it recalls the rhythm of His life —humiliation and exaltation, death and resurrection. This rhythm is likewise the rhythm of worship.

We who bear the Name of Jesus pass through the cross with Him to life. This is accomplished through the rhythm of confession and absolution.

5. Finally, read Numbers 6:22-27. How does the Invocation come around full circle in worship? What does this mean for the other 167 hours of the week? How does the Invocation come up again outside of corporate Christian worship?

The Invocation begins the service with the Name of God; the Benediction concludes the service with the Name of God. In a way, the Divine Service works backwards—it begins with the New and ends with the Old Testament. This is a picture of how worship is a place between two times. A bit of eternity breaks into our regular time between Invocation and Benediction, while we are in the Name of God. Yet, the Name also propels us into our lives here in time as we live out the name in our various callings. Throughout the week, we return to the name in prayer and devotion.

Closing Pray the appropriate Daily Prayer for Individuals and Families (Lutheran Service Book p. 294-298), And sing together “I Bind unto Myself Today” (LSB 604).

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“Liturgical Catechesis: Invocation” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Read Matthew 28:16-20. What two things make a disciple of Jesus? What is significant about where this command occurs within the story of Jesus’ life? What is significant about how this command relates to our lives as Christians, and to Christian worship?

2. Worship begins with the invocation of the name of God. Read Matthew 18:15-20. What does the name say about our worship? Note the voice of the verb in the final verse—is it active or passive?

What does this mean about who does the work in gathering for worship?

3. In Isaiah 43:1-2, the Lord speaks another name. Who does He address by name in this passage, and what promise does He give? How might this verse be interpreted in light of the New Testament and Christian worship?

4. The Invocation is a confession that your name is connected to the Name of Jesus in worship. Read Philippians 2:1-11. What does this say about the rhythm of worship?

5. Finally, read Numbers 6:22-27. How does the Invocation come around full circle in worship? What does this mean for the other 167 hours of the week? How does the Invocation come up again outside of corporate Christian worship?

Closing Pray the appropriate Daily Prayer for Individuals and Families (Lutheran Service Book p. 294-298), And sing together “I Bind unto Myself Today” (LSB 604).

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“Metaphors, Grammar, and Scripture, Oh My!” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Opening Prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide For round us falls the eventide. O let Your Word, that saving light, Shine forth undimmed into the night." (LSB 585, st. 1) 1. Spend a few minutes discussing the importance of words, language, and communication in our daily vocations at home, church, and in the world.

Answers will vary for this introductory question. However, try and encourage participants to think of the importance of language in their various vocations in life, and how without language, even daily life would quickly break down. Also, use this as a bridge to discuss the importance of language in the Christian faith, and what happens when the language of the Gospel, Scripture, and theology breaks down.

2. Why are words, grammar, and language so important to our study of Christian teaching, and our Christian faith? Read Romans 10:14-17.

A prime example of the importance of words, from Church history, is found in the theological debate between Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli at Marburg in 1529. It was there that Luther and Zwingli debated the Lord’s Supper, in particular the Words of Institution. Zwingli taught that when Jesus said, “This is my body” and “This is my blood” that the word “is” was to be interpreted as represents or symbolized. Luther, however, stood firm on the plain and simple words of Scripture. Is means is. Jesus is clear, Luther argued. His word means what He says, and He says what He means. We may not be able to fully explain this mystery, but we have no reason to doubt Jesus’ clear word concerning the Lord’s Supper.

Every other article of the Christian faith is dependent upon the Word of God in Scripture as well. If it were not, think of how chaotic the Christian faith would be. It would be like the period of the Judges: everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 22:25). Words, grammar, language, syntax, etc. – these serve to order God’s Good News for us so that it is heard, received, believed, and declared. As one famous LCMS president once said, Get the Word straight, Missouri…and get the Word out!

3. How is God’s Word different from our words? Read Genesis 1 and John 1. Also read Isaiah 55:10-11.

When we yell at the stoplight to change from red to green it doesn’t. When we scream at the referee on TV to change his bad call, he won’t. When we demand that the mess in our room cleans itself up simply because we’ve spoken it, it doesn’t happen. Not so with God’s Word. Unlike our word, God’s Word has the ability to do what He commands and says. Let there be light! And it was so. Jesus calms the storm.

Jesus tells Lazarus to rise from the dead and he does. Jesus’ Word has authority; it is performative. It does what H+e says and promises. And that’s good news for us. God’s Word is powerful. God’s Word is an event; it is creative, life-giving, and life-saving. God’s Word is living and active, says the book of Hebrews.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

4. What is a metaphor? How do many people often understand the word “metaphorical”, and how is this different from the way Scripture uses metaphors?

Someone once said that a metaphor is teaching an old word new tricks. More of a dictionary definition, however, would be that a metaphor is a figure of speech whereby we speak about one thing in terms which are seen to be suggestive of another. This doesn’t mean using metaphors is just a word game, or meaningless. In fact, we use metaphors to convey meaning. Metaphors help us to use words we know to help us understand words we don’t know. Try and help participants understand this part of speech by using examples.

Unfortunately, the word metaphorical has become synonymous with “false” or “untrue” or “made up”.

But this is not how we should understand this figure of speech, especially when it comes to the Gospel.

That Scripture uses metaphor doesn’t make it less true. Metaphors are simply one way that language communicates the truth of the Gospel to us. Far from weakening the Gospel, metaphors help to communicate it more clearly to us.

5. What kind of metaphors can you find in the Old or New Testaments that are used to convey God’s Word of Law? What about the Gospel?

It’s hard to find a part of Scripture that doesn’t use metaphors. The prophets and Psalms are especially rich in their language and use of metaphors. Some great OT examples are: Isaiah 11, and the prophecies of Christ’s birth; Psalm 42 and the description of the believer as a deer who pants for water; Psalm 46 where YHWH is described as a Mighty Fortress, similar to how Luther does in his famous hymn. In the New Testament, Jesus repeatedly uses metaphors in His parables and teaching. His famous I AM statements in the Gospel of John are paradoxically, both metaphor and reality at the same time. In terms of the Law, Scripture refers to God’s Law as thundering and a hammer. Scripture also refers to the Gospel as light, and a lamp, as in Psalm 119:105.

6. What other metaphors does Jesus use in Gospels that communicate and deliver God’s love for us?

Answers will vary on this. However, an easy way to assist participants in this would be to go to the parables in Luke 15, or in Matthew 13. Also, the book of Revelation is replete with metaphorical and symbolic language.

Closing Prayer Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“Metaphors, Grammar, and Scripture, Oh My!” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Opening Prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide For round us falls the eventide. O let Your Word, that saving light, Shine forth undimmed into the night." (LSB 585, st. 1) 1. Spend a few minutes discussing the importance of words, language, and communication in our daily vocations at home, church, and in the world.

2. Why are words, grammar, and language so important to our study of Christian teaching, and our Christian faith? Read Romans 10:14-17.

3. How is God’s Word different from our words? Read Genesis 1 and John 1. Also read Isaiah 55:10-11.

4. What is a metaphor? How do many people often understand the word “metaphorical”, and how is this different from the way Scripture uses metaphors?

5. What kind of metaphors can you find in the Old or New Testaments that are used to convey God’s Word of Law? What about the Gospel?

6. What other metaphors does Jesus use in Gospels that communicate and deliver God’s love for us?

Closing Prayer Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“DownA HIGHER fromTHINGS® the Mountain” BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction Events like the Transfiguration of Jesus might be easy to overlook. The Transfiguration doesn’t get its own season of the Church year, it is not mentioned in all four Gospels, and it takes up only a small portion of the story when it is included in Matthew’s Gospel account. But this miraculous event was very important to the disciples who witnessed it. This event is also important to us. It stands as an incredible reminder that Jesus, God in the flesh, dwelt among us, and it comes with instructions from Jesus on where we ought to focus our eyes: His death and resurrection. Jesus doesn’t leave His disciples marveling on the mountain, but leads them down the mountain to show them His love as He dies and rises for them, and you!

Opening Prayer “Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

1. What sort of experiences might you describe as a “mountaintop experience”? Share an event in your life that you might call a “mountaintop experience.”

Answers will vary. Going to a Higher Things conference, attending a big sports game, a special dance or school activity. Ask the participants to explain what makes each experience they share so special.

2. This is not the first time in Scripture that God has revealed Himself on a mountain. Read Exodus 24:15-18. What mountain is referenced in this passage? Who does God meet on the mountain?

How is the Glory of Yahweh described here?

Mount Sinai is referenced in this passage. This passage bears several similarities to the Transfiguration account. Yahweh is speaking, it is on top of a mountain, and Moses is there. The difference is that Jesus is here in the flesh, and God’s speech to the world now consists of Jesus. The glory of Yahweh looks like a consuming fire!

3. The account of the Transfiguration is found in Matthew 17:1-9. Which disciples does Jesus take with him up the mountain? Why do you think Jesus may have taken these specific disciples? Where else do we see these disciples together with Jesus?

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him up the mountain. Jesus often took these three with Him when He was going to do something important. They are sometimes referred to as His “inner circle.” We get to see these incredible events through the eyes of the disciples, even as they sin and misunderstand what is going on. Peter opens his mouth rather than listen to Jesus! Elsewhere in Matthew, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him to keep watch while He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Their sinfulness is shown in this account as well because they sleep when Jesus has told them to sit and watch!

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

4. When Jesus walked among us, His appearance did not indicate that He was God. Isaiah 53:2 says “…he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.”

Now Peter, James, and John see Jesus standing in His glory. How does the text describe Jesus’ appearance? (see verse 2) Jesus’ face shines like the sun and His clothes become as white as light. This is not normal! Jesus is appearing before them in His majesty in contrast to the way that He appears during the rest of His ministry.

5. Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus on the mountain. What do you remember about these figures from the Old Testament?

Have the participants read Exodus 3:1-15 and Deuteronomy 5:1-5 for a better understanding of the role of Moses and 2 Kings 19:9-18 for a better understanding of the prophet Elijah.

6. In verse 4, Peter begins to speak, offering to set up tents. Is this a good idea? What should Peter have been doing?

It seems to be a polite idea, but it doesn’t fit with the purpose that Jesus has in mind. He should have been listening, as God the Father will tell him.

7. Take note that Peter is still speaking in verse 5 when God the Father interrupts him! What does God say? What is the disciples’ reaction to the voice of God? God says “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” This is the same thing that God spoke at the Baptism of Jesus with the addition of “Listen to Him!” God is making Himself known to mankind in the person of Jesus Christ, His Son, the Messiah. The disciples are terrified, falling on their faces at the voice of God! It is natural for sinners to tremble at the voice and presence of almighty God. Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid and that He is with them.

8. We love to focus on big, flashy, events. As they go down the mountain Jesus commands the disciples not to tell anyone about what they saw until after Jesus is raised from the dead. What needs to happen for them to understand who He is? How might they misunderstand Jesus if they focused on the Transfiguration at the expense of what was to come?

Jesus has to die and rise again for them to understand and believe who He is and what He has come to do. Jesus is not revealed only in His glory on the mountain, through His miraculous deeds, and by His popularity. To understand who He is you must understand Him as the Savior who suffers and dies for you!

9. Think about your own life. Are there ever times when you ignore something about Jesus because it makes you uncomfortable? What does the world focus on when they think about Jesus? Is it the real Jesus or their own invention?

Answers will vary.

Conclusion Jesus came and dwelt among us and still dwells among us today in His Word and Sacraments. The disciples were given a reminder that Jesus is God in the flesh, deserving of all glory, honor, and worship, but even as Jesus showed them His glorious shining face, He commanded them to wait. Even though they had seen His glory, they would not understand or believe apart from His death and resurrection.

Closing Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“DownA HIGHER fromTHINGS® the Mountain” BIBLE STUDY Opening Prayer “Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

1. What sort of experiences might you describe as a “mountaintop experience”? Share an event in your life that you might call a “mountaintop experience.”

2. This is not the first time in Scripture that God has revealed Himself on a mountain. Read Exodus 24:15-18. What mountain is referenced in this passage? Who does God meet on the mountain?

How is the Glory of Yahweh described here?

3. The account of the Transfiguration is found in Matthew 17:1-9. Which disciples does Jesus take with him up the mountain? Why do you think Jesus may have taken these specific disciples? Where else do we see these disciples together with Jesus?

4. When Jesus walked among us, His appearance did not indicate that He was God. Isaiah 53:2 says “…he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.”

Now Peter, James, and John see Jesus standing in His glory. How does the text describe Jesus’ appearance? (see verse 2) 5. Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus on the mountain. What do you remember about these figures from the Old Testament?

6. In verse 4, Peter begins to speak, offering to set up tents. Is this a good idea? What should Peter have been doing?

7. Take note that Peter is still speaking in verse 5 when God the Father interrupts him! What does God say? What is the disciples’ reaction to the voice of God? 8. We love to focus on big, flashy, events. As they go down the mountain Jesus commands the disciples not to tell anyone about what they saw until after Jesus is raised from the dead. What needs to happen for them to understand who He is? How might they misunderstand Jesus if they focused on the Transfiguration at the expense of what was to come?

9. Think about your own life. Are there ever times when you ignore something about Jesus because it makes you uncomfortable? What does the world focus on when they think about Jesus? Is it the real Jesus or their own invention?

Closing Pray the Lord’s Prayer together. © 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“Jesus Hits the Spot” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction Jesus certainly doesn’t give us everything we want. We may want a championship for our favorite sports team, a pair of shoes, or something fun to do with our friends. Instead, Jesus gives us all that we need. He sustains our body and life and has promised us eternal life with Him. Today we look at an account of Jesus giving a group of men exactly what they need.

1. What hits the spot for you? It could be a food, a movie, a book, or something else. Why do you think this particular thing hits the spot for you?

Answers may vary. The article suggests favorite family dishes from a holiday meal as something that hits the spot.

2. Read Luke 17:11-19. The lepers stand at a distance and cry out to Jesus because they are set apart from the general population. They are ritually unclean and potentially contagious, so they must live alone. In this sense, all they had was each other. How do you think they would have felt as they lived separate from society?

Answers will vary. Invite the students to imagine what it would be like living apart from your family and friends. The disease afflicting their bodies was another major factor in their struggles and added to their need for the mercy of Jesus.

3. What do they cry to Jesus for? What about their condition showed this specific need?

They cry out to Jesus for mercy. They are physically afflicted by a disease that eats away at their bodies.

They are also unable to have contact with other citizens. Lastly, they are unclean and would be unable to enter the temple. They needed the mercy of God who looks with favor upon the weak and ill and restores them.

4. We also have need of mercy from Jesus. The life of the Christian is a constant plea to God for mercy.

We sinners must cry out to God and ask Him to be merciful to us. Where in our worship service to we cry out to Jesus for mercy?

We cry out for the mercy of the Lord in the Kyrie. Have the students open the Lutheran Service Book (you can find the Kyrie on page 152). Explore the different things we ask of God when we are crying out to Him for mercy. We ask Him for the peace from above that only He can give. We pray for God’s mercy on the world that is held in the stranglehold of sin. We pray on behalf of the people in church offering their worship and praise. We conclude by asking God to “help, save, comfort, and defend us.”

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

5. Jesus tells them to go see the priests. This is what the law requires and would allow them to be received again into normal society. One of them chooses to return to Christ. Do you think it would have been difficult for him to wait?

Answers will vary. It is possible that the desire to be received into society became an idol for the nine.

They may have loved the possibility of being reunited with friends and family more than Jesus. It would have been difficult for the one man to return, but his response shows faith. He is more concerned with giving thanks to Jesus than going to the priests. There will be time for that later, but Jesus is moving on to Jerusalem!

6. It is difficult for us to understand the racial and ethnic animosity between Jews and Samaritans, but readers of this passage would have been surprised that a Samaritan would be the one to return thanks to Jesus. Read Luke 9:51-55. What happens to Jesus in this Samaritan village? What do the disciples want to do?

Jesus is rejected by the Samaritan village. The disciples want to call fire from heaven down as an act of judgement on the people. Many people in the Gospel reject Jesus, but their reaction to the Samaritans is unusually strong, perhaps conveying their feelings about the Samaritan people. Historical and theological issues separate the Jewish and Samaritan people and can be seen throughout the Gospels.

7. What is Jesus’ reaction to the ingratitude of the nine? What should their response have been?

Jesus is surprised that the other nine did not return to give thanks. The proper response to the saving work of God is to respond to Him in thanks and praise.

8. Jesus tells the man “your faith has made you well.” We know that He isn’t referring to the healing of the leprosy, because all 10 were cleansed, not just the one who returned to give thanks. What blessings does faith bring?

Faith clings to the promise of God given in the Word. When we hear about what Jesus has done for us, faith grabs on to the promise and doesn’t let go. Faith trusts the promise of God given to us in baptism.

Faith clings to the life-giving body and blood of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation given to us in the Lord’s Supper.

9. Jesus responded to the needs of the lepers, healing their infirmities and cleansing them, that they might return to society. What are your greatest needs of body and soul? How does Jesus heal them?

We certainly need the forgiveness of sins. Jesus provides this for us in his all-availing sacrifice on the cross.

We also need restoration to God the Father, which Jesus provides for us, clothing us in His righteousness.

We also have to deal with the problem of death, the decay of our bodies. Jesus promises to raise us on the last day to live with Him forever.

Conclusion Jesus truly does hit the spot. When in our hour of deepest need, He comes to save us. When we are at our worst, He forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Even when we suffer as we await His return, we know that Jesus is not ignorant of our needs because He lived among us and took our illnesses, infirmities, sins, and weaknesses upon himself. Thanks be to God for the work of His Son that meets all of our needs!

Closing Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017

“Jesus Hits the Spot” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. What hits the spot for you? It could be a food, a movie, a book, or something else. Why do you think this particular thing hits the spot for you?

2. Read Luke 17:11-19. The lepers stand at a distance and cry out to Jesus because they are set apart from the general population. They are ritually unclean and potentially contagious, so they must live alone. In this sense, all they had was each other. How do you think they would have felt as they lived separate from society?

3. What do they cry to Jesus for? What about their condition showed this specific need?

4. We also have need of mercy from Jesus. The life of the Christian is a constant plea to God for mercy.

We sinners must cry out to God and ask Him to be merciful to us. Where in our worship service to we cry out to Jesus for mercy?

5. Jesus tells them to go see the priests. This is what the law requires and would allow them to be received again into normal society. One of them chooses to return to Christ. Do you think it would have been difficult for him to wait?

6. It is difficult for us to understand the racial and ethnic animosity between Jews and Samaritans, but readers of this passage would have been surprised that a Samaritan would be the one to return thanks to Jesus. Read Luke 9:51-55. What happens to Jesus in this Samaritan village? What do the disciples want to do?

7. What is Jesus’ reaction to the ingratitude of the nine? What should their response have been?

8. Jesus tells the man “your faith has made you well.” We know that He isn’t referring to the healing of the leprosy, because all 10 were cleansed, not just the one who returned to give thanks. What blessings does faith bring?

9. Jesus responded to the needs of the lepers, healing their infirmities and cleansing them, that they might return to society. What are your greatest needs of body and soul? How does Jesus heal them?

Closing Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.

© 2017 Higher Things, Inc.

Magazine Bible Studies - Winter 2017