Episode Details

Having answered His enemies’ temptations three times now, Jesus takes the offensive during Holy Week. He warns the crowds and His disciples against the scribes and Pharisees. Although they rightly read the Word of God, which must be obeyed, their preaching and their practice are full of deceit and hypocrisy which must not be obeyed. Their preaching only proclaims the burden of the Law, with no salvation from the Gospel. Their concern for earthly glory only exacerbates the problem. In contrast, Jesus upholds the life of a servant as the paradigm for all who are members of His Church, for we know that God is the One who exalts us.

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 23:1-12.

To learn more about Zion in Linn, visit zionlinn.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org