June 11, 2026

Today's Reading: Mark 6:7-13

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 9:1-18; John 13:21-38

“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Disciples are followers of Jesus - literally. Before Jesus’ ascension, the disciples went where He went. They did what He did. He taught, they listened. In this account in Mark, Jesus sends out the Twelve apostles. These men were disciples, but being an apostle meant that they were sent out to teach and to preach. They were given authority by Jesus and were given directions by Jesus.

Today, we remember the Apostle Barnabas. This is the guy who ‘vouched’ for Saul. In the early church, after Jesus ascended into heaven, there was a lot of persecution. You may remember that Saul was a high-ranking Jewish leader who had made it his mission to hunt disciples of Jesus and punish them, even to death. And yet, Jesus comes to Saul and confronts him about his sins. Jesus calls Saul to be one of His disciples—and even more—to be an apostle. Saul (later named Paul) was going to preach about Jesus; he was called out of darkness into God’s light.

We sinners tend to be skeptical; the disciples in the early church did too. Did Paul *really* meet Jesus? Was he *actually* a believer? The disciples in Jerusalem, at the time of Paul’s conversion, were afraid. Paul wants to join these disciples, but they don't believe him. However, Barnabas is not going to stay silent. Barnabas greets Paul, brings him to the other disciples, and witnesses to what he knows happened. He teaches his fellow disciples (and apostles) the truth that Jesus does indeed change hearts and minds. He declares that Jesus did, in fact, call Paul to be an apostle.

You probably aren’t an apostle, but you are a disciple of Jesus. You get to continue learning from His Word, receiving His Gifts, and witnessing about what is true. In your Baptism, you are safely tucked into God’s family, and nothing can take that away. From that place, then, you can be bold to speak about Jesus. You can declare that He does forgive sins, He does keep His promises, and He is the Savior of the world. You can be like Barnabas - speak of what is true and real. Point to Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. Speak of yourself as a redeemed sinner. Speak to the neighbors you have been given - in your school, your home, your neighborhood, your community - and tell the Good News of Jesus for sinners. You get to be a disciple; you receive God’s good Gifts, and you get to then share His love with all that you meet.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

How clear is our vocation, Lord, When once we heed your call: To live according to Your Word And daily learn, refreshed, restored, That You are Lord of all, And will not let us fall. (LSB 853:1)

Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 10, 2026

Today's Reading: John 13:1-20

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 8:22-36; John 13:1-20

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Do you get anxious before a big event? Maybe you get really excited; all those butterflies of anticipation are fluttering in your stomach. You have a big test, a big game, a fancy dinner, or a presentation… something big is coming, and you know that it matters.

Sometimes, in our desire to focus, we forget about other people or other things. Washing the dishes? Later, I have a paper to finish. Walking the dog? Later, I have an important dinner to get ready for. We focus on our next big moment and nothing else.

In today’s reading, Jesus knows what is coming; His ‘big event’ is His crucifixion. This has been the plan of salvation since before the world was created, and now the time had come. And yet, who is His focus? Where does He spend His last hours before death? Jesus “loved them to the end.” Jesus, knowing all that is about to happen, stays focused on those whom He loves.

In John 13, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. He shows, yet again, what it means to love sacrificially. He shows what it means to love and care for your neighbors. He continues to teach and to serve His disciples. He knows what His next hours are going to include, but He continues to love. He teaches the disciples that this is an example to them (and to us) - that we are to serve others.

Jesus says in John 13:20 that, ‘truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.’ You have received the one whom Jesus sends - you have been given the Holy Spirit! In your Baptism, you are made clean and declared holy; you are covered by Jesus and bear God’s name. You are one of Jesus’ own. On the cross, it was for you that Jesus willingly hung and willingly died. In the Resurrection, it is you that He brings into new life and unto life eternal. You are one for whom Jesus died. You are loved. And Jesus will indeed love you to the end.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Yes, Father, yes, most willingly I’ll bear what You command Me. My will conforms to Your decree, I’ll do what You have asked Me.” O wondrous Love, what have you done! The Father offers up His Son, Desiring our salvation. O Love, how strong You are to save! You lay the One into the grave Who built the earth’s foundation. (LSB 438:3)

Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 9, 2026

Today's Reading: 1 John 4:16-21

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 8:1-21; John 12:36b-50

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

I have to admit, I like to be first. In school, I liked it when I was done with my homework first, and I liked it when I ran a race and got first place. Even now, I like it when my favorite team gets first. I want to win. I want to be the best, and being first is definitely the best.

And yet, this short verse in 1 John says that someone else was first. This verse says that I can love, can know love, and can give love only because someone else did it first. This verse says that He loved me and He loved you. This verse is clear - I wasn’t the first to love.

When I stop and think about it, this verse tells me that being first isn’t really the point. When I admitted to liking to be first, to always winning, I was also admitting that my mindset is selfish. If I am winning, then everyone around me has to be losing. I’m not thinking about them; I am only thinking about me. Maybe I don’t know what love is, because that definitely isn’t love.

These verses in 1 John teach us about what love is - about who love is. It isn’t about winning, and it isn’t about me (or you) being the best. Instead, love is sacrificial. Love is reassuring and is hope without fear. There is no competition in love.

God is love. Love lays down His life so that others (sinners…you…me) can live. Love is given freely and is good. Love looks like something - it looks like Jesus on the cross. Love looks like an empty tomb. Love looks like God’s Word and water. Love is in, with, and under Bread and Wine. God’s plan to love is shown in the mercies and grace that are ours every day.

It’s a good thing that God loved us first. It’s a good thing that before we were born or could even think about what love is and how we might have it, God loved and planned for our rescue. Now, I can know and you can know that love is resting in God, in His promises, and in His work, not our own. Then, out of that love, comes love for our neighbors. We get to look around, not at ourselves, and see the needs of those around us. We get to rejoice in the love we have and then share it with others. God loved you first, and that is very good. And, now you get to love too.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. (LSB 588:1)

Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 8, 2026

Today's Reading: Genesis 15:1-6

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:1-7:27; John 12:20-36a

“But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’” (Genesis 15:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Perhaps Abram has a point. At age 75, he was called by God to leave his home and travel to a new land, but life has been fraught with problems. There was a famine, so Abram found himself in Egypt, where that (first) awkward encounter between the Pharaoh and Sarai happened. And then, Abram has to rescue his nephew Lot from war in Sodom and Gomorrah. What about the promises of being a great nation, being blessed, and having his name be great? Ever since Abram listened to God, it has been one issue after another; there doesn’t seem to be any follow-through on those promises.

In today’s reading, God is making promises again: Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram pushes back: But God…what will you give me? I don’t even have an heir of my own!

Here’s the thing. We sinners like to develop our own timelines and our own measuring sticks. Abram wanted those promises fulfilled now. He wanted what was coming to him. He wanted proof and assurance that this was going to be worth it. Abram is having doubts; he and Sarai hadn’t had a child yet - how could they possibly be the great nation that God had promised?

Abram doubts. You and I doubt too. Why is my life full of suffering? Why is the Christian life hard? When will I receive what God has promised?

The rest of today’s reading is the comfort we need. Abram expresses his doubts, and God hears them! God’s character is one of mercy and patience. While Abram had no ‘right’ to question God or worry about what was going to happen, God met Abram’s question with assurances. God gave Abram more promises - Abram, you will have your own son. You will have more descendants than stars in the sky. And even more amazing - when Abram believes these words from God, God counts his belief as righteousness!

What about for you? What about when you ask questions, worry, and doubt? God answers you, too. Remember your Baptism. You are named as a Child of God and covered by Jesus. Go to the Divine Service and hear God’s Word of Law and Gospel for you. Be reminded that you are a sinner - one for whom Jesus bled and died. Rejoice that you are a saint and that Jesus’ resurrection is yours also. Take and eat Jesus’ Body and Blood. Believe in the One who always keeps His promises and always hears your prayers. God is faithful.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God gives me my days of gladness, And I will Trust Him still When He sends me sadness, God is good; His love attends me Day by day, Come what may, Guides me and defends me. (LSB 756:3)

Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 7, 2026

Today's Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 4:1-27; John 12:1-19

“He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16:31)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

At first glance, today’s reading seems to suggest that life is the luck of the draw. The rich guy had it good during his earthly life, while Lazarus had it rough. And, because it is only fair then, the rich guy has to suffer in eternity, but Lazarus gets to be in comfort. It seems to make sense, right? It’s only fair.

And yet, this isn’t about being poor or rich. This isn’t a ‘fair picture’ of who gets to have what. Instead, this teaches about the lie of independence and the idolatry of wanting to be your own god. This speaks to the heart of every sinner.

The rich man had nice clothes and plenty of food; he lived lavishly. To us sinners who love control, comfort, and excess, this sounds great! Lazarus, by contrast, suffers continuously. He wishes for crumbs. And yet, all he has are the dogs.

When death comes, Lazarus is brought to heaven, and the rich man suffers in torment. Ephesians 2 teaches us that it is, “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is a gift from God.” We learn that Lazarus had faith. He trusted in His Savior, even in suffering.

In Hades, the rich man still wants to control his destiny. He wants a drop of water - he wants some relief; he is told no. He begs that Lazarus be raised from the dead to give his brothers a warning about this eternity of torment. But, his brothers already have the Law - they have the words of Moses and the Prophets. If they will not repent when the Law is taught, they will have no use for someone being risen from the dead.

Repent, dear sinner. Do not be deceived by independence, control, or the ability to chase your desires. God’s Word of Law is for your good. It reminds you that you are a sinner. Remember that in your Baptism, your Old Adam daily drowns and dies; the New Man daily rises and celebrates the boundaries given by God. The New Man daily rejoices, even in suffering, because even in trials there is hope. Cling to the promises of Jesus, who has risen from the dead for you.

In excess and in suffering, you need God’s Law and His Gospel. You need to be reminded of your sin and your dependence on God. Rejoice in that reminder - for you have a God who does not spare His only, perfect Son, but abandons Him on the cross for you. You have a Risen Savior who daily forgives your sins and meets your needs. You are not without hope.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O God, the strength of all who trust in You, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing, grant us Your grace to keep Your Commandments that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 6, 2026

Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 1 - Psalm 13:1-4; antiphon: Psalm 13:5-6

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 3:5-24; John 11:38-57

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, ‘I have prevailed over him,’ lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:1-6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

If you read the Psalms carefully, you find some amazing things. For example, you find what praise is. You see that it is not just saying “I praise You!,” it is also talking about the good God that He is and the good things He has done. You also see the writers reflect the whole gamut of human emotion and experience. You find expressions of happiness. You find expressions of sorrow. You find expressions of dismay.

In Psalm 13, we have this dismay. Obviously, the psalmist experienced the feeling that God wasn’t still there. He felt like God was turning His face away from him and letting evil people take over. He felt like things were so bad, he was going to die. As a note, this psalmist is King David, so it seems this is one of those times where David is on the run, afraid that the person he’s running from is going to catch up and kill him. Who? It doesn’t matter. Why? Because the point is the worry that God isn’t there. The worry is that death is at hand.

I can imagine you have been shaken as well. Maybe you haven’t worried that you were going to die. Maybe you haven’t been pursued by evil people, but you have been shaken. And in that moment, you felt like God had turned away from you. But He hasn’t. I can promise you that. How? Because He promises it. He tells you in Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you nor forsake you.” And you can be sure this is true because any forsaking you might deserve, Jesus took that for you on the cross when He cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Your sin does deserve forsaking, but you have been washed in the blood of the lamb who was forsaken for you. Now God will not leave you or forsake you.

Therefore, you can trust in God’s steadfast love. You can rejoice in His salvation. You can sing to the Lord who has dealt bountifully with you, just like David in the Psalm.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord, in the midst of hardship, You promise never to leave me nor forsake me. Bless me to trust in your steadfast love for you have dealt bountifully with me in Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.

June 5, 2026

Today's Reading: John 11:17-37

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 1:8-33; John 11:17-37

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

If you’ve been to a Lutheran Funeral, you have likely heard those words. In the Funeral order, the pastor speaks the words, the congregation speaks the Nunc Dimittis (Lord, now you let your servant go in peace), and then the pastor repeats them. What a blessed comfort. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

Of course, as Jesus said these words, He proved how true they were by raising Lazarus from the tomb just moments after speaking them. Lazarus had been sick, and the people came to tell Jesus so that He could heal the poor man. Jesus dawdled, Lazarus died. And now Martha, to whom Jesus said this confession, calls Jesus on his delay. “Lord if you had been here my brother wouldn’t have died.” “Lord if you had come when we called you, I wouldn’t be in this sorrow right now.” “Lord, if only you had done what we asked, this would all be a lot easier.”

But then Jesus comes to the tomb of Lazarus, and what does He do? First, He weeps. Why? He’s already told Martha who He is. He’s already made the point to Martha that He’s going to raise Lazarus. What is this? It’s sorrow at death. Death isn’t the way it’s supposed to be. Death is the consequence of sin and Man not doing what God has told him to do. So death hurts. And Jesus feels it in that moment. He feels it to His core.

As I’ve spoken those words at funerals, I’ve spoken them in the hearing of loved ones who feel death to their core. I’ve spoken them to children who have lost parents who have been suffering for years and so are relieved, but still hurt to their core. I’ve spoken them to parents who lost children far, far too soon, and were rocked to their core. And in all of the cases, the words were still true. This Man who called Lazarus from the tomb entered the tomb for us that first Good Friday, carrying the burden of our sins to that tomb so that He could leave them there on the First Easter, and we could have victory over death by His resurrection.

Christian, when death hurts you to your core, know that it is defeated. Christ is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Him, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in Him will never die.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Christ, the life of all the living, Christ the death of death our foe, Who, Thyself for me once giving, To the darkest depths of woe; Through thy sufferings, death, and merit, I eternal life inherit, Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Dearest Jesus, unto Thee! (LSB 420:1)

Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.

June 4, 2026

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer 3rd Petition

Daily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14; John 11:1-16

God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is His good and gracious will. (The Small Catechism, The Lord’s Prayer, The Third Petition)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Those are words you hopefully speak daily at least. But when it comes to the will of God, do you actually reflect on it? How often do you act or even pray for things without reflection on God’s will? It’s pretty easy to go through our day-to-day activities without thinking much about what God’s desire is for us. Or we can overcomplicate it. We can pray about every minute detail as though if we make a left turn instead of a right turn because we left our house at 8:35 instead of 8:37, we have deviated from God’s will and now He must be angry with us.

But what is God’s will? As Luther explains it so well, he shows that it relates to breaking and hindering every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature. And what do these enemies do that is deviant from God’s will? They seek that we would not hallow His Name, nor let His Kingdom Come. They seek that the Word of God would not be taught in its truth and purity, and that we as Christians would not lead holy lives according to the Commandments. Likewise, they seek that God’s Spirit would not bring faith in God’s Word to those people in order that they would lead holy lives here in time and there in eternity.

So what are we praying for? We are praying for God’s defense of us in the faith. We are praying that God would guard and keep us from the devil, who would seek to destroy our faith, and our own sinful temptations, which would be drawn to unholy living contrary to God’s will revealed in the Ten Commandments.

So, how does God work this protection? Thankfully, by how He operates in the world. However, we can certainly be assured of protection in His Word. It is in that Word where He continues to speak faith into ears, to feed faith to us in His Supper. By these, He strengthens us in our daily struggles with sin, and gives us rest always in the forgiveness of the cross of Christ. Amen.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Your gracious will on earth be done, as it is done before Your throne, That patiently we may obey, Throughout our lives all that You say. Curb flesh and blood and every ill That sets itself against Your will. Amen. (LSB 766:4)

Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.