David Bahn – Reflections

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 14; Leviticus 18; Genesis 40; 1 Chronicles 10.

Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³ And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,²⁴ but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.²⁵ And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶ But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

²⁸ And 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 and walked on the water and came to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”³¹ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² And 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.”

Sometimes faith is heroic. You get out of the boat and walk on water. You touch the fringe of Jesus’ garments. You tell Jesus that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. You hear Jesus say, “Great is your faith.”

Then other times faith is weak, frantic, almost ashamed. Peter flails in the water, sinking fast, yelling, “Lord save me!” Disciples exclaiming to Jesus when he tells them they must forgive someone 70X7, “Increase our faith” (cf. Luke 17:5). The father of the demon-possessed boy saying to Jesus, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief” (cf. Mark 9:24 ).

Sometimes faith simply waits. Joseph in prison, having interpreted the Baker’s and the Cupbearer’s dreams, and being forgotten for a time (cf. Genesis 40), until the cupbearer remembers him. Hannah waiting for the birth of a son. Sarah and Abraham waiting (sometimes not waiting) for the birth of the son of God’s promise.

But when faith is placed where it belongs – not in our strength of will or fervency of prayer, but in God – it finds a solid base. But faith falsely-placed is like investing in a Ponzi scheme. You will be left with nothing in the end.

I had that thought today as I reflected on Peter’s cry for help as he was sinking. Jesus reached out his hand and saved him. Joseph was ultimately saved. The woman was healed. The father’s child was healed. Even doubting Thomas was shown a living Lord.

Rather than trusting our own strength, convictions, understanding, or holiness, best we trust in the One who saves, heals, and honors even the weakest faith.

PS: I’m listening to a book called, The Widow Spy, by Megan Campisi. It’s a historical novel about a woman who has hidden her identity and smoothed her persona, including her speech and mannerisms. A line caught me today that may apply indirectly to the issue of faith. “A person gives up a lot to be so smooth.” We don’t have to be smooth to be accepted by God, but we do have to give up on the idea that we can save ourselves in any way other than faith in Jesus.

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 10; Micah 7; Jeremiah 50; 1 Samuel 14.

Matthew 10:34-42

[Jesus says,] “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. ³⁶ And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. ³⁷ Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

⁴⁰ “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. ⁴¹ The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Oh that peace would come to the Middle East. If only the fighting in Ukraine and Russia would cease! Might there be an end to the violent demonstrations in San Francisco and Chicago? Seems everywhere we turn there is war and rumor of war. Our troops and bases are on high alert in the Middle East for fear of Iran’s attack. Many think it’s just a matter of time before another terrorist attack is leveled against the United States.

When Jesus was born the angels proclaimed, “Peace on earth. Good will toward men!” When Jesus appeared to the disciples that first Easter his first word was, “Peace!” When the wind and rains buffeted the boat, Jesus stood up and said, “Peace! Be still.” And all was calm.

But now he tells his disciples that he did not come to bring peace to the earth, but a sword. How can this be?

The fault lies completely with man. Men and women deny him access to their hearts. They want nothing to do with Jesus’ teachings. People within our own households will be divided: some will believe Jesus. Others will reject his claims on their lives.

Jesus knew this would be the case. He knew there would be conflict over him and his teachings. He tells the disciples that right out. If we preach and teach only peace we will be leading people astray. Jesus would not do that.

But neither would he leave his followers without peace, hope, and comfort. There will be those who welcome Jesus’ emissaries. Someone will give a child a cup of water. People will receive the truth of God through his prophets.

So as we take to the streets, we can be sure of God’s provision – even as we should not be surprised by rejection and even persecution in the face of our good intentions and faithful witness. We need not go looking for trouble, but we can be assured of Jesus’ faithfulness, protection, and provision as we join him on his mission.

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 9; Hosea 6; Numbers 27; 2 Chronicles 35.

Matthew 9:1-13

And getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. ² And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” ³ And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” ⁴ But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? ⁵ For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? ⁶ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” ⁷ And he rose and went home. ⁸ When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

⁹ As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

¹⁰ And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. ¹¹ And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ¹² But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ¹³ Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Two Sundays ago I preached at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Spring, Texas. I used passages from Proverbs, Job, and John’s gospel which speak of friends. I also named some names: Jerry, Lloyd, Gary, and Jim, among others. I spoke of how each of these friends blessed me. They helped me see the truth about myself. They encouraged me to stay the course. They helped me see things more clearly. They refreshed my spirit. Friends are a great treasure. You might say, sometimes our friends carry us through difficult times.

That is certainly what is happening in this encounter with Jesus and the lame man. His friends carry him to Jesus. What a blessing he received from Jesus through their act of merciful service. They literally carried him to Jesus.

Sometimes we need to be carried to Jesus. A friend will pray for us in the time of our illness. A friend will sit with us in our time of grief. A friend will remind us of Jesus’ promises in the face of loss. A friend will turn us back to the paths of righteousness when we wander.

Sometimes we may need to carry others to Jesus. A friend may need a hug and an assurance that she isn’t alone. A friend may need a Bible verse to remind him of God’s love and grace. A friend may need a nudge back to God, or even a strong push toward repentance.

I have certainly been carried to Jesus by friends for whom I am deeply thankful. I have had the occasion to carry a friend to Jesus in an hour of trial.

But, honestly, sometimes we don’t want to do this. We don’t want to bring our friends to Jesus, allowing him to comfort, love, and forgive them. In the moments of anger and conflict we would rather our friends just shape up and fly right. We would rather not have to relate to them through the cross of Jesus. We would rather keep the log in our eye as we try to take the speck out of our friend’s eye.

Thankfully we have a friend in Jesus who laid down his life for us, who forgives sins (our biggest need), and who welcomes all those who come to him in brokenness and repentance.

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Mark 5: Leviticus 15; Psalm 142.

Mark 5:21-43

And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. ²² Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet ²³ and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” ²⁴ And he went with him.

And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. ²⁵ And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, ²⁶ and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. ²⁷ She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. ²⁸ For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” ²⁹ And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. ³⁰ And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” ³¹ And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” ³² And he looked around to see who had done it. ³³ But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. ³⁴ And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

³⁵ While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷ And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹ And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰ And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴² And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. ⁴³ And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Two touching events happen that impact three people directly, as well as several bystanders, and a multitude of people through the ages.

The father of the child who lay sick in bed is impacted in many ways. He was concerned about his daughter’s illness. He was no doubt also distressed by the interruption of the woman with the issue of blood and Jesus’ attention to her. How relieved and joy-filled he must have been when Jesus healed his daughter.

The woman with the issue of blood was not touched by Jesus but instead reached out to touch the hem of his garment. I love this imagery. This is testimony to both her desperation and her faith. And in that touch through faith she was healed. After 12 years of misery and shame.

The touch of Jesus as he took the little girl by the hand and said, Talitha Cumi, the interesting touch of Mark recording the Aramaic. “Little girl, arise.” This particularly touches me as I think of the tender care Jesus took her by the hand. I think of my sister Kathy who died in our home at the age of just under 7 years. I love the thought of Jesus reaching out to take her hand and bring her back to life in the life of the world to come.

Perhaps you can identify with the woman who had a chronic illness and sought to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe. Maybe you can feel the anguish of the anxious father seeking help for his little daughter. Maybe you’re like the disciples, who said “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’”

The touch of Jesus is precious, healing, freeing, and saving. May his grace touch our hearts and bring us healing, hope, peace, and joy.

PS: If you wish to hear my sermon from June 14, 2025 Trinity Sunday/Father’s Day, click here.

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Mark 4; Jeremiah 16; Psalm 147; Ezekiel 31.

Mark 4:30-41

And Jesus said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? ³¹ It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, ³² yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

³³ With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. ³⁴ He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

³⁵ On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” ³⁶ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. ³⁷ And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. ³⁸ But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” ³⁹ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” ⁴¹ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Jesus is identified in classic Lutheran theology as prophet, priest, and king. As such he speaks God’s word faithfully, intercedes for the people of the earth, and reigns and rules above all things at the right hand of God. This is the three-fold office of Christ.

I see all three in this passage. I love how Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God and declares so faithfully and fully the realities of God’s reign and rule. The kingdom of God, Jesus says, “is like a grain of mustard seed.” This is the prophetic role of Jesus. He teaches the truth of God. In this case, declaring that God will do something remarkably great through something that seems so small. 

And so it is: this small rag-tag group of men will go on to change the world. The 12 will grow to 72, then to 120, then to 3000, 5000, and in the end “a multitude that one can count” (cf. Revelation 7). And just as in the Old Testament times the prophets spoke with an edge in their message, so does Jesus. For his expression that the birds of the air will come to the tree that will grow from the small seed indicates peoples from far and wide will come and find rest and relief in God’s kingdom. This small thing will become much greater and far-reaching than any of them could ever have imagined.

And then as a subtle expression of his priestly role, Jesus is taken in the boat, just as he was, and becoming so tired that he falls asleep. Jesus has taken on human flesh so fully that he is subject to the physical limitations we all experience. This will lead him ultimately to the cross where he will offer his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.

But he is also king over all, King of the Universe. King of wind and wave. So when the storm rages, Jesus, – awakened from his slumber – stands and rebukes the wind and the waves. They are stilled. The disciples wonder, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” 

This is the Son of God. He is our prophet – telling us the truth of God, our priest – praying for us and offering the once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of the world, and King of kings and Lord of lords, in whose hand are the deep places of the earth, to whom we must give an account, and to whom we may pray in our time of need. He is able to act in our behalf, and he is willing to act for our good.

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 13; Psalm 78; Isaiah 37; Jeremiah 5.

Matthew 13:1-17

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. ² And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. ³ And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. ⁴ And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. ⁵ Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, ⁶ but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. ⁷ Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. ⁸ Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. ⁹ He who has ears, let him hear.”

¹⁰ Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” ¹¹ And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. ¹² For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ¹³ This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
¹⁴ Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
¹⁵ For this people’s heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them.’

¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. ¹⁷ For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

My Masters of Divinity Thesis was an examination of Matthew 13, with the title, “Why Do You Speak to them in Parables?” A Look at Jesus’ Use of Parables in Matthew 13. Well…that is at least close to the title. I studied specifically the question of the disciples, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” I also studied Jesus’ answer: “This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled,” quoting the passage about dull hearts, closed ears, and unseeing eyes. 

Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill prophecy. This is what God had ordained by speaking these words through his prophet Isaiah. It would surely come true. As soon as it was spoken it was bound to happen. Sadly, moreover, the prophecy was about the faithlessness of God’s very own people!

Psalm 78 is an overview of Israel’s history – sad as it was in so many ways. You would think they would learn. Time after time they receive God’s blessings, grow complacent, lapse into faithlessness and apostasy. Time after time they repent and God restores them, only to have the cycle repeated again and again.

Ours may not be blatant gross outbursts of sin. We may not rob banks, abuse children, or live licentiously. God may not have to call us back from such faithlessness. But we’ve already learned from Jesus (Matthew 5) that to call a brother a fool is tantamount to murder. And to look upon a woman lustfully is the same as committing adultery. We have spoken words we ought not to have spoken in fits of rage, and done things in a season of weakness that are far from God’s laws.

Perhaps our lives are a mirror of Israel’s. We hear but do not hear. We see but do not see. We have dull hearts.

Thankfully, however, that’s not the whole story. For God determined to redeem a wayward and erring Israel. While we were still sinners Christ died for the unjust. We have been saved.

So just as the disciples had to do, draw near to Jesus and learn what these parables mean. Take heart that he is sowing good seed. Rejoice that he will be the final judge. Know in your heart that he knows who is his.

And who are his? Those who yearn for his redemption, who seek to live under his reign and rule, who trust in his promises, and have seen and heard – through the witness of Jesus’ disciples – Jesus’ words of grace and truth.

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Luke 11; Deuteronomy 26; 2 Chronicles 24; Proverbs 8; Jonah 3.

Proverbs 8:1-11, 32-36

Does not wisdom call?
    Does not understanding raise her voice?
² On the heights beside the way,
    at the crossroads she takes her stand;
³ beside the gates in front of the town,
    at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
⁴ “To you, O men, I call,
    and my cry is to the children of man.
⁵ O simple ones, learn prudence;
    O fools, learn sense.
⁶ Hear, for I will speak noble things,
    and from my lips will come what is right,
⁷ for my mouth will utter truth;
    wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are righteous;
    there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
⁹ They are all straight to him who understands,
    and right to those who find knowledge.
¹⁰ Take my instruction instead of silver,
    and knowledge rather than choice gold,
¹¹ for wisdom is better than jewels,
    and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

³² “And now, O sons, listen to me:
    blessed are those who keep my ways.
³³ Hear instruction and be wise,
    and do not neglect it.
³⁴ Blessed is the one who listens to me,
    watching daily at my gates,
    waiting beside my doors.
³⁵ For whoever finds me finds life
    and obtains favor from the Lord,
³⁶ but he who fails to find me injures himself;
    all who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 8 is an interesting chapter. In it wisdom is personified as a woman who calls out to humanity, offering insight, justice, truth, and life. Most notably wisdom is described as being “possessed by the LORD at the beginning, present before creation, and rejoicing in the world and “delighting in the children of man.”

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 12:22-50; 2 Chronicles 9; 1 Kings 10; Jonah 1; 2.

Matthew 11:22-32

Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. ²³ And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” ²⁴ But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” ²⁵ Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. ²⁶ And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. ²⁸ But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²⁹ Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. ³⁰ Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. ³¹ Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. ³² And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

1 Kings 10:1-3

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. ² She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. ³ And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her.

A stunning comment: “The man who has done this will never be forgiven – in this time or in eternity.” Spoken by the leader of the Mormon Church, it referred to a man who had abducted and killed a 3 year-old girl. A horrific crime to be sure. But it is even more horrific to decree that someone cannot be forgiven. For Jesus’ promise is that whoever repents and calls on him will be forgiven.

That’s what he says here in Matthew 22. “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people,” he says. Every one except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. People worry about this sin. And well they should on the one hand, for without the forgiveness of God we are eternally lost and condemned. On the other hand, those who worry about it mark themselves as those who have not committed the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. For their concern over their right relationship with God is testimony to the Holy Spirit’s presence and influence in their lives.

I thought of that as I read 1 Kings 10 today. Solomon was able to answer all of the questions that the Queen of Sheba posed to him. His wealth, wisdom, and works were unparalleled. He had it all. He could noodle out the most complex puzzles. I wonder, however, if his wit and wisdom led him to deny the Holy Spirit’s work. I wonder whether his pride got the better of him and he failed to rely fully on God, blaspheming in effect, the Holy Spirit. Only God knows for sure. And he will be the judge. But the evidence of Solomon’s ending does not offer much hope for a good end.

But let’s end on a far more comforting note: “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people,” says Jesus. So my sins of commission – they are many – and my sins of omission – they are no fewer – my actual sins and my inherited sinful nature are not beyond the reach of Jesus’ grace. Blasphemous words. Sin of the most offensive kind. Failures of epic proportion. Jesus died for them all.

Such is the hope of all who believe in Jesus, who acknowledge their sin. To them Jesus promises, “Whoever comes to me, I will in no way cast out” (John 6:37).

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I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Matthew 11; 1 Chronicles 22; Isaiah 35; Jeremiah 6; Amos 1.

Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; ²⁶ yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. ²⁷ All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ²⁸ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

It is truly propitious that today’s 49 Week Bible Challenge Gospel reading is from Matthew 11. Today, June 10, 2025 marks the 46th anniversary as a pastor in The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. And Matthew 10 contains the verses Pastor Robert Lange used when he preached for my ordination those many years ago. He chose that verse as an appropriate call to take on Jesus’ yoke. This yoke of Jesus is symbolized in the stole I wear with my vestments. It is a symbol of ordination and a reminder that I am a servant of Christ.

Six years earlier those verses had been given to me at my confirmation. I was a student at SEMO University and had gone through the Adult Information Class with the pastor at the Lutheran Campus Center. Did he know that I would one day serve as a pastor?

The idea of taking on Jesus’ yoke means taking the posture of submission, learning, and partnership with Jesus. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [emphasis added]” The yoke is not a burden of oppression, but an invitation to walk with Jesus, to be guided by his wisdom, and to live under his gracious reign and rule.

To take on his yoke is to trust that his ways are better than ours, that his strength will carry us when we are weary, and that in following him, we find not only purpose but also peace. For a pastor—and for all believers—it is both a calling and a comfort: we are not pulling the load alone. Christ is yoked with us, leading, teaching, and empowering us in love.

As an aside, I recall that Pastor Lange asked me perhaps 5 times if I wanted to take the Bible Study class to become a Lutheran. Five times! I finally said, “OK, but I don’t want to have to join just because I take the class. And If I do decide to join I don’t have to join right away.” He said, “sure,” to the first condition, and “well, within reason,” to the second! About ⅓ of the way through the Bible study, I said, “Where do I sign up?” Two things struck me during that study then. They are anchored in the grace and truth that Jesus embodies. Whenever I asked questions during that study, Pastor Lange’s answers were grounded in biblical truth, and every answer, teaching and truth pointed me back to God’s grace in Jesus.

I am thankful to God to be yoked with Jesus as I serve as a Lutheran pastor, holding out the grace and truth of Jesus!