Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 15:12-17. Jesus continues to teach concerning the new commandment that He gave previously in His Upper Room Discourse. His disciples’ love for each other is based on the love that He has shown and given them. Jesus’ love is the greatest of all, because He has laid down His life on behalf of all. He calls His disciples His friends because He tells them what He is doing. They did not choose Him, but Jesus chose them to bear fruit that abides. He commands these things to His disciples so that they will love each other. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so have life by faith in His n

Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 15:1-11. When Jesus calls Himself the true vine, He picks up Old Testament imagery from the prophet Isaiah. Where Israel was unfaithful, Jesus is entirely faithful. The Father prunes believers for the sake of keeping us connected to Jesus and making us more fruitful. Only as we remain in Jesus and He remains in us can we bear any fruit. As branches, we must remain connected to Christ the Vine in His Word, lest we die eternally. Jesus loves us as the Father has loved Him; in His Word, He makes our joy full. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so have life by faith in His name.

Rev. Daniel Golden, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, WV, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 14:22-31. In response to Jesus’ teaching in His Upper Room Discourse, one of Jesus’ lesser known apostles speaks up. Judas the son of James asks the Lord how He will manifest Himself to the disciples but not the world. Jesus answers that this happens through His Word. The disciples who love Jesus’ Word will be loved by the Father and the Son, and they will make a home with the disciples. However, those who do not love Jesus will not receive Jesus’ Words. He speaks these words to His disciples now while He is with them, and He will send the Holy Spirit in the future to bring all of His Words to their remembrance. In these words, the disciples will have peace from Jesus that the world cannot give. As He goes to His passion and death, the ruler of this world cannot take anything from Jesus, for He goes willingly according to the Father’s command. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharpe

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 14:15-21. Jesus continues His Upper Room Discourse with His disciples, preparing them for His upcoming passion, death, and resurrection. In love for Him, His disciples will keep His commandments. To aid them, Jesus will ask the Father, who will send them the Spirit of truth to be their Helper and Comforter. Though the world will not receive Him, the Holy Spirit will dwell with and in the disciples. In this way, Jesus will not leave His disciples as orphans, but they will continue to live in Him. They will keep His commandments, the Father will love them, and Jesus will manifest Himself to them. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we mi

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 14:8-14. In the midst of Jesus’ comforting discourse to His disciples, Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father. Though Philip should have known the answer to his request after three years with Jesus, the Lord is gracious and continues to teach His disciples. In seeing Jesus, they have already seen the Father. Jesus’ Words are spoken on the Father’s authority, and His works testify to that same truth. Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do the same works He does, and even greater works when He goes to the Father. God accomplishes these very works in His Church still today through the means of grace, by which He bestows the forgiveness of sins. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Vice President of Admission and director of the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 14:1-7. In His discourse to His disciples in the Upper Room on Maundy Thursday, Jesus prepares them not only for His quickly-approaching passion and death, but also for His mission for them to go into the world with the Gospel after His resurrection and ascension. He tells His disciples that their hearts need not be troubled through faith in Him. He goes to prepare a place for them with His Father, and He will take them to be with Him forever. When Thomas questions Jesus how they can know the way, Jesus responds, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the exclusive way so that anyone who believes in Him is included in the Father’s family eternally. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The discip

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Bethesda and Faith Lutheran Churches in north St. Louis County, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 13:21-38. After Jesus washes His disciples’ feet and teaches them the importance, He reveals that one of His Twelve will betray Him. In the midst of their uncertainty, John asks Jesus which disciple would do this. By sharing a piece of bread with Judas at that moment, Jesus highlights the depth of betrayal. Judas leaves into the darkness, a reminder of the great evil he is about to commit. Jesus continues undeterred and teaches His disciples His new commandment: “Love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” The commandment is new because Jesus is about to fulfill it by giving them the fullness of His love in laying down His life. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry.

Rev. Bernie Schey, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Old Dime Box, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 13:1-20. Before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus shows His disciples the fullness of His love. Even as Judas is preparing to betray the Lord, Jesus becomes the most humble servant to the disciples as He washes their feet. When Peter objects, Jesus says that Peter must receive such humble service from Jesus, for this footwashing foreshadows the even greater service Jesus will give by His death. After Jesus finishes washing His disciples’ feet, He tells them that this also serves as an example for their service to each other. As Jesus was willing to serve even though He was greatest among them, so the disciples should willingly serve each other. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. Jo

Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 12:44-50. Jesus speaks His final public words prior to His suffering and death. He cries out and reiterates His connection to the Father. Those who believe in Jesus believe in the Father; those who see Jesus see the Father. In this way, Jesus is the light who takes us out darkness. He has come to save the world from judgment, yet those who do not receive His Word have a judge in His Word. This is true because Jesus has not spoken on His own authority, but on the Father’s. The Father has sent Jesus with His commandment that delivers what the Father commands: eternal life “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the So

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 12:34-43. The crowd listening to Jesus on Palm Sunday knows that He has been speaking about His death, but they do not know how Jesus could then be the Christ. Jesus proclaims the urgency of the situation; He is the light in whom they must believe right now. When the crowd does not believe, Jesus withdraws from them; all of this is in fulfillment of what the Lord had spoken by the prophet Isaiah, who saw God’s glory. Though many did believe in Jesus, they loved the glory from man more than the glory of God. Jesus shows us the true glory of God in His death and resurrection. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Chr

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 12:20-33. Right after the Pharisees complain that the whole world is going after Jesus, some Greeks voice their desire to see Jesus. Jesus takes this as the opportunity to announce that the hour for His glorification has come. As a grain of wheat must die in order to bear fruit, so Jesus’ death will bring forth great fruit in forgiveness and salvation. Though His soul is troubled, still Jesus is resolute in going forward to His hour in which the Father will glorify His name. The Father’s voice speaks from heaven, and Jesus proclaims what is happening. He will draw all people to Himself by being lifted up in death on the cross. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit wo

Rev. Andrew Wright, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 12:12-19. When Jesus enters into Jerusalem, the excited crowds take palm branches to meet Him as a sign of the victory they expect Him to bring. They greet Him with shouts of “Hosanna” as they sing from Psalm 118, acclaiming Him as the coming King of Israel. Even if their perception was not quite correct, the text teaches us to receive Jesus rightly as our coming Savior, even as we welcome Him with the same words in the Sanctus prior to the Sacrament of the Altar. The disciples did not fully understand the events of the day until after Jesus had been glorified. The crowd continued to bear witness to what Jesus had done for Lazarus. The Pharisees continued their rejection of Jesus, even as they saw that they were powerless to stop the world from going after Jesus. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus lo

Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 12:1-11. Six days before the Passover, the day before Palm Sunday, Jesus is in Bethany, the town where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived. At a dinner in Bethany, Mary comes to Jesus and anoints Him with extremely extravagant perfume. Feigning piety, Judas protests the action out of a desire to help himself to more money. Jesus commends Mary’s action as having been done in preparation for His burial. As Jesus’ fame for raising Lazarus continues to spread, the chief priests plan to kill Lazarus as well, a reminder that those who follow Jesus are treated with scorn by the world. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is th

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 11:45-57. The reaction to Jesus’ raising of Lazarus is mixed. Many believe in Jesus, but when the Pharisees find out what happen, their resolve to kill Jesus only grows. They take the matter to the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin, which actually has some authority to do something. Their deliberation refuses to acknowledge any chance that Jesus is worthy of faith, and the matter proves fruitless until the high priest speaks up. Though Caiaphas means one thing by his prophecy, God teaches the truth through the high priest’s words. Jesus will die as one man in place of the people, not only for Jews, but also for Gentiles. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 11:28-44. Martha goes to her sister Mary because Jesus wants to speak with Mary as well. Mary greets Jesus with the same words as Martha—if Jesus had been here, Lazarus would not have died. Such a prayer to the Lord is a fitting lament to the only One who can do something to help. While the mourners with Mary can provide some comfort by being with her, only Jesus can provide true and ultimate help. Even as He weeps over the effects of death upon His people, Jesus is resolved to do what Lazarus needs. With His Word, Jesus brings Lazarus to life again, setting Lazarus free even from the grave clothes that bound him. By raising Lazarus, Jesus gives a preview of His own greater resurrection in which He leaves death behind forever; that is the resurrection promised to Lazarus and all those who trust in Jesus on the Last Day. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through th

Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in North Judson, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 11:17-27. When Jesus arrives in Bethany four days after Lazarus’ death, all hope for a reversal of Lazarus’ condition seems lost. Martha greets Jesus with raw honesty: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Such lamenting before the Lord is exactly what pious Christians should do. As Jesus speaks with Martha, He moves her beyond pious platitudes to real hope. Real hope is found in Jesus alone, for He is the resurrection and the life. This comfort remains ours today at every Christian funeral; Jesus gives us the promise that He will raise from their graves all those who die in Him. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works i

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 11:1-16. Jesus’ raising of Lazarus serves as a climax within the Gospel according to St. John. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were all loved by Jesus, yet when Jesus found out that Lazarus was ill in Bethany, He did not go right away. Nonetheless, the Lord’s love for these three did not change. Instead, Jesus was doing the work that the Father had given Him to do. When Jesus tells His disciples that Lazarus had fallen asleep, He speaks a word of glorious promise. Jesus can call death “sleep” because He is the One who awakens His people from the grave on the Last Day. This is comforting because death is the real enemy that cannot be overcome by our power or anything or anyone other than Jesus, the Savior. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and min

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL and assistant to the president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 10:31-42. When the Jews are ready to stone Jesus for stating that He is one with the Father, Jesus calls attention to His works from the Father. He points out the way that the Psalms speak of those whom God appointed to offices of leadership in the Old Testament; so much more can Jesus, as the One consecrated by the Father, call Himself the true Son of God. Though they will not believe His words, they should be able to see from His works that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him. Though this deescalates the situation, Jesus leaves to the other side of the Jordan, where people believe in Him based on what John had said about Him before. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, and Rev. Michael Newman, president of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, join host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 10:22-30. Though Jesus continues to face opposition in Jerusalem at the Feast of Dedication, He continues to call out to the Jews so that they might repent and believe in Him. In response to their request for a plain and bold answer, Jesus points to the works He is doing in His Father’s name. These works testify to the truth of who Jesus is. Though the Jews there do not believe because they are not Jesus’ sheep, Jesus provides the comfort to those who do listen to His voice—they are His sheep. He knows them, and He gives them eternal life that cannot be taken away. That eternal life cannot be taken away because it is secured by Jesus and His Father, with whom Jesus is one in the unity of the Holy Trinity. Jesus’ teaching in this text provides great comfort to us as Christians. “The Word Made Flesh”

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 10:11-21. Jesus continues His discourse to the Pharisees by identifying Himself as the Good Shepherd. Whereas even the best leaders of Israel could not live up to all expectations, Jesus is the One who does all that we need. He ultimately shows Himself to be the Good Shepherd by laying His life down on behalf of His sheep. The hired hand, someone who leads people away from Jesus, may talk a good game, but when push comes to shove, he flees the sheep in their need. The wolf, the devil, comes to destroy the sheep. Only Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He calls His flock together from Israel and the nations alike by laying down His life and taking it back up again for their salvation. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word o