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You don’t become a saint by finally getting over your selfishness, proving your virtue, or living up to the Beatitudes. You become a saint when Christ puts you to death and raises you to new life by speaking his promise to you. This All Saints Sunday, we hear how Jesus blesses sinners in the middle of mourning, need, and persecution—and gives us a peace this world cannot provide: the certainty that we belong to him. GOSPEL  Matthew 5:1-12         1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:         3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.         4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.         5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.         6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.         7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.         8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.         9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.         10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.         11 "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. WOMEN’S ORDINATION PAPER Luther House of Study has published a new paper, Ordination of Women by Evangelical Lutherans Revisited, by Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson. The paper examines the biblical passages commonly cited against women’s ordination, the Lutheran Confessions, Martin Luther’s writings, and the arguments of Lutheran theologians on both sides of the question. The authors argue that neither Scripture nor the Lutheran Confessions prohibits women from being ordained to the pastoral office. You can read the full paper for free here: Women’s Ordination Paper Link CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Reformation Day isn't about celebrating how much better Lutherans are at getting Christianity right; it's about hearing the promise that sets sinners free. Jesus says that even those who believe in him are slaves to sin, and that freedom comes not from our ability to remain faithful, but from the Son who gives us a permanent place in God's household. In this episode, we explore why the Christian life isn't about proving that we're free, but receiving Christ's Word when sin, suffering, and doubt tell us otherwise. GOSPEL  John 8:31-36 31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." 33 They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. WOMEN’S ORDINATION PAPER Luther House of Study has published a new paper, Ordination of Women by Evangelical Lutherans Revisited, by Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson. The paper examines the biblical passages commonly cited against women’s ordination, the Lutheran Confessions, Martin Luther’s writings, and the arguments of Lutheran theologians on both sides of the question. The authors argue that neither Scripture nor the Lutheran Confessions prohibits women from being ordained to the pastoral office. You can read the full paper for free here: Women’s Ordination Paper Link CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What happens when you use God’s Law to prove that you’re righteous, only to discover that it condemns you instead? In this episode, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes, but Jesus turns the trial around and exposes the very hypocrisy they’re trying to hide. The Law offers no loophole and no escape from accusation—but Christ enters that accusation himself, suffers what our sin deserves, and speaks the word we cannot give ourselves: forgiveness. GOSPEL  Matthew 22:15-22 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. 20 Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" 21 They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. WOMEN’S ORDINATION PAPER Luther House of Study has published a new paper, Ordination of Women by Evangelical Lutherans Revisited, by Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson. The paper examines the biblical passages commonly cited against women’s ordination, the Lutheran Confessions, Martin Luther’s writings, and the arguments of Lutheran theologians on both sides of the question. The authors argue that neither Scripture nor the Lutheran Confessions prohibits women from being ordained to the pastoral office. You can read the full paper for free here: Women’s Ordination Paper Link CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

The king invites everyone to his son’s wedding, but some reject the invitation, and another arrives trying to justify himself. In this episode, we explore the uncomfortable truth that we can resist God’s promise both by refusing his invitation and by trying to prove we belong. Faith stops looking inward for a reason to be saved and rests in the only answer that matters: “Because you said so, Lord.” GOSPEL  Matthew 22:1-14 1 Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ 5 But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ 10 Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, 12 and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What happens when we start treating God’s kingdom as though it belongs to us? In this episode, Jesus tells a parable about tenants who reject the prophets, kill the Son, and convince themselves that they can seize the inheritance for themselves. We explore why the fruits of the kingdom aren’t something we produce or control, but faith in the Son whom God sent—and why the cornerstone we reject is the very Christ who gives us mercy. GOSPEL  Matthew 21:33-46 33 "Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. 34 When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. 35 But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.' 39 So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" 41 They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time." 42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. 44 The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. 46 They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet. CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What if the most important question in this passage isn’t whether you believe in Jesus, but whether Jesus has authority over you? In this episode, we watch the religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a question about his authority, only to have Jesus expose their self-preservation and reveal that the people they considered the worst sinners were entering the kingdom ahead of them. The Gospel isn’t a call to make the right decision or become less self-righteous; it’s the promise that even people who have betrayed Christ receive the final word of forgiveness from his authority. GOSPEL  Matthew 21:23-32 23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 28 “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and he went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not  change your minds and you did not believe him. CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What if the kingdom of heaven isn’t fair? In this episode, we unpack Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard, where those who work all day receive the same promise as those who arrive at the very end—and discover why the real problem isn’t God’s generosity, but our demand that God give us what we think we deserve. The last will be first and the first will be last because God’s righteousness isn’t about treating us fairly; it’s about a God who is free to fulfill his promise and generous enough to give mercy to whom he chooses. GOSPEL  Matthew 20:1-16 1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4 and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?' 7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard.' 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.' 9 When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last." CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What if there is no law that tells you how much mercy you have to give? Peter wants to put forgiveness back into a manageable number, but Jesus responds with a debt so enormous that it cannot possibly be repaid—and then simply wipes it away. We explore why forgiveness isn't something we master through better behavior, but something that happens to sinners when Christ's mercy finds them at the end of their own ability to save themselves. GOSPEL  Matthew 18.21-35 21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23 "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.' 29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked33 slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."  CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What if one of the most loving things a Christian can say to another Christian is, “You have sinned against me”? In this episode, we confront Jesus’ startling command to name sin—not to win an argument, punish someone, or make the church a better organization, but so that a sinner can hear the forgiveness of Christ. Jesus gives the church the authority to bind and loose sin, because sometimes the Gospel cannot be heard until someone is willing to hold up the mirror and say, “You have a problem—and Christ has come to forgive it.” GOSPEL  Matthew 18:15-20 15 "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this episode, we ask why Peter responds to Jesus’ promise of suffering and death with, “God forbid it, Lord!” We discover that the cross isn’t something we choose, want, or accomplish—it’s something Christ does for us when our will is at odds with his. Following Jesus isn’t an instruction manual for becoming a better person; it’s the promise that through suffering, death, and resurrection, Christ will give us life. GOSPEL  Matthew 16:21-28  21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?  27 “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What does Jesus mean when he says, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven”? In this episode, we explore why the church isn’t ultimately built on Peter, a pastor, a denomination, or any other person, but on the proclamation that Jesus is the Messiah and that his forgiveness defeats sin, death, and the devil. The keys bind what binds us and loose us with Christ’s promise: you are a sinner, but your sin is not the final word over you. GOSPEL  Matthew 16:13-20  13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.  CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this episode, we explore one of Jesus’ most memorable encounters: a Canaanite woman who comes to him as an outsider, crosses every boundary, and simply pleads, “Have mercy on me.” As Jesus appears to reject her, she refuses to argue for her worthiness and instead holds him to the promise that his mercy is for sinners—even dogs like her who have nothing to offer but their need. Her “great faith” isn’t her persistence or ability to convince Jesus; it’s the faith that receives his mercy as a gift and trusts that God’s kingdom is not about being treated fairly, but about Christ having mercy on the unworthy. GOSPEL  Matthew 15:21-28 21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." 23 But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." 24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26 He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." 27 She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." 28 Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly. CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this episode, we ask a difficult question: Why would Jesus send his disciples straight into a storm he knew was coming? As the wind drives them farther from shore and fear overtakes them, we discover that the real battle isn't against the waves—it's against the doubt that God's promise could fail. Peter's cry, "Lord, save me," becomes our own, as Christ shows that faith doesn't come from our courage, but from hearing his Word: "Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid." GOSPEL  Matthew 14:22-33  22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."  28 Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this episode, we ask what happens when your needs exceed your resources. As Jesus feeds the five thousand, the disciples reach the end of what they can provide, but Christ refuses to let their limitations set the agenda, revealing instead a kingdom defined by his compassion and abundant provision. The miracle isn't simply that bread multiplies—it's that Jesus gives exactly what his people need, reminding us that God's blessings are received with thanksgiving, not controlled by our demands. GOSPEL  Matthew 14:13-21 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves."  16 Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." 17 They replied, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish." 18 And he said, "Bring them here to me." 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

What if every one of these parables is describing the same thing from a different angle? In this episode, Jesus paints a picture of a kingdom that grows like a seed, spreads like yeast, captures you like hidden treasure, and frees you from the endless anxiety of trying to prove you belong. The kingdom of heaven isn't something you do enough to get into—it's God's promise at work, giving you a future that no longer depends on your performance but on Christ's faithfulness. GOSPEL  Matthew 13:31-33,44-52  31 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."  33 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." 44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46 on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.  47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; 48 when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  51 "Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes." 52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." CARE OF SOULS: DEATH In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders. Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death: How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ. Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life. Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls Support the show Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First? Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate