Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Dr. Christopher Jackson, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Algoma, WI and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 7:1-13. After the Bread of Life Discourse, Jesus continues His ministry in Galilee because the Jews in Judea were ready to kill Him. When the time for the Feast of Booths arrives, Jesus’ brothers show their misunderstanding and their unbelief when they urge Him to go to Judea and make a name for Himself. Jesus replies by telling them that His time has not yet come; the hour is not yet at hand for Him to go to His death and resurrection. Yet Jesus does still go privately to the Feast, where questions about His identity swirl among the people. Such questions continue today, even as Jesus has given the answer through 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 an

Rev. James Uglum, pastor at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peters, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:60-71. The crowd recognizes Jesus’ words as difficult, yet He does not back down from the truth. He tells the people that they will only have life through the work of the Spirit in His Words; in this way, the Father draws people to Jesus. Tragically, many of Jesus’ disciples turn back. When Jesus asks the Twelve if they will also go away, Peter makes the good confession that all Christians echo still today: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.” “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 S

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Bethesda and Faith Lutheran Churches in north St. Louis County, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:52-59. When the Jews dispute how Jesus could give His flesh to eat, Jesus only doubles down on His teaching. Not only must they eat His flesh, they must also drink His blood to have life. This eating and drinking happens by faith for all who believe in Jesus, and Jesus also gives His flesh and blood for Christians to eat and drink in the Holy Sacrament. Jesus promises that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood will be raised on the Last Day. In this way, Jesus is greater than manna or any other bread, for His flesh and blood give 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 Jesu

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:41-51. As the Israelites grumbled at Moses in the wilderness, so the Jews in the Capernaum synagogue grumble at Jesus. They think they can know Jesus rightly because they know Joseph and Mary. Jesus corrects them by pointing to His Father in heaven. Only those drawn by the Father can come to Jesus, who will raise His people on the Last Day. Those who believe in Jesus thus have eternal life right now. The manna in the wilderness sustained life for a time, but those who ate it still died. Jesus is the bread of life who comes down from heaven because He gives His flesh for the life of the world. Those who eat of His flesh will live forever. “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 H

Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:34-40. When the crowd in the Capernaum synagogue ask Jesus for the bread He has described, He tells them in no uncertain terms, “I am the bread of life.” Through His “I am” statements, Jesus recalls the divine name first given to Moses. As the bread of life, Jesus is the One who satisfies our every lack, not only in this life, but also in the resurrection. He will not cast out those given to Him by the Father; He will not lose those who belong to Him. Instead, He will raise His people on the Last Day. This is the will of the Father that Jesus accomplishes, and it is a great comfort to us to know that He will give us the fullness of life in the resurrection of the dead on the Last Day. “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. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:22-33. The crowd looking for Jesus begins to do the math and realizes he must have gotten across the Sea of Galilee in an unusual way. As Jesus begins to teach them in the Capernaum synagogue, He tells them that they have not truly seen the signs. They are concerned only with food that sustains this life; they should be seeking the food that gives eternal life. When they ask about the work of God that they must do, Jesus directs them to faith, which is actually a gift from God that trusts in the Savior who has already done the work for sinners. They ask for a sign like Moses gave in the manna, and Jesus teaches them the truth concerning the manna. It was not a gift from Moses, but a gift from God the Father. Now the Father’s gift is Jesus, the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes th

Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 6:1-21. At the time of the Passover, Jesus is near the Sea of Galilee, where He heals many of the sick. Jesus lifts up His eyes to see the harvest field yet again, and He invites His disciples to see the work before them and trust Him to provide. Philip does not yet understand, and Andrew brings a boy with a little food to Jesus, though he too struggles. When Jesus has the people sit down on the grass, the provision of the Good Shepherd for His people comes into focus. He provides food for over five thousand people, but they misunderstand the sign and are ready to make Jesus king by force. Jesus withdraws, and His disciples head across the sea on their own. He comes to them by walking on the sea, bringing them joy at His presence. Still today, the Church has joy and peace to know that Jesus is with us. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 5:30-47. Jesus continues to defend Himself against the false accusations leveled against Him. Jesus lines up other witnesses who testify to the truth of who He is. John the Baptist spoke truly concerning Jesus; his testimony was not merely from man, for John was sent by God. The Father and the works that the Father gave Jesus to do testify to the truth of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. Moses and the entire Old Testament serve as witnesses to Jesus. Those who search the Scriptures for life and believe them will go to Jesus, for they testify of Him. Those who believe Moses will believe Jesus, for Moses wrote of Jesus. “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

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 5:19-29. As Jesus begins to answer the objections from the Jewish religious leaders, He emphasizes His unique relationship with His Father. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. The works that the Son is doing are great, but He will show even greater works in His death and resurrection. Because the Father gives life, so the Son also gives life. This happens right now as those who hear and believe Jesus are raised from the death of sin and are given eternal life. This also happens on the Last Day when Jesus calls forth all the dead from their tombs. Those who have done evil, that is, those who are unbelievers, will be raised to condemnation. Those who have done good, that is, those who have trusted in Jesus alone, will be raised to 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

Rev. James Yonkers, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danville, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 5:1-18. When Jesus travels up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish feasts, He goes to the pool of Bethesda. There were many who were disabled at the pool, hoping to be the first one into the water after it was stirred. When Jesus engages a man who has been unable to walk for thirty-eight years, the man seems to think that perhaps Jesus will help him into the water. Jesus redirects his attention from the water to Himself when He commands the man to get up, take his bed, and walk. The man does, but the Jewish leaders are more interested in why the man is carrying his bed on the Sabbath than in finding out how he was healed. As they begin to investigate Jesus, they think that He is breaking the Sabbath and consider His claims about God to be blasphemy, and so they desire to kill Him, even as He begins to teach them the truth. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 4:43-54. When Jesus travels again to Cana in Galilee, an official from Capernaum makes the journey to see Jesus. He implores Jesus to come down to Capernaum and heal his son who was at the point of death. Jesus rebukes the attitude espoused by the man and the other Galileans who would not believe unless they could see a sign. The official reiterates the request that Jesus would come to Capernaum; if Jesus can only see his son, then surely Jesus will heal him. Instead, Jesus believes the official’s word and tells him that his son will live. The official takes Jesus’ word home in faith, and Jesus’ word is effective. The official discovers that his son has been made well at precisely the moment Jesus spoke. This second sign from Jesus encourages us to trust His Word even without sight. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom

Rev. William Terjesen, pastor at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Peekskill, NY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 4:27-42. After the Samaritan woman at the well speaks with Jesus, she goes back to the town to tell the people about Him, and they start to come out to meet Him. Meanwhile, Jesus instructs His disciples concerning His work of accomplishing His Father’s will. He sees the crowd of Samaritans coming toward Him as a field that is ready for the harvest and calls His disciples to join Him in the work. The Samaritans of the town ask Jesus to stay with them longer, and from their conversations with Him, they learn the same thing that the woman had told them: Jesus is the Savior of 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 mig

Rev. Lucas Witt, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 4:1-26. Most Israelites of Jesus’ day would have traveled around Samaria. However, St. John tells us that Jesus had to pass through there in order to show us that Jesus wanted to reveal Himself to the woman at the well. Through this unlikely encounter, Jesus reveals that He has true living water for the gift of eternal life of those who believe. As she listens to Jesus, the woman begins to realize that she is speaking to a prophet and asks about the true worship of God. Jesus says that true worship happens in Spirit and truth, that is, through faith in the Word that He preaches. When the woman asks Jesus about the Christ, Jesus says plainly: “I who speak to you am he.” “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

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 3:22-36. The ministry of John the Baptist has not ended even after Jesus’ public ministry begins. Yet John is not interested in any sort of competition between him and Jesus. Instead, John’s ministry continues in the joy to point people to Jesus as the Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John knows that he must decrease, and Jesus must increase. Those who listen to John and believe in Jesus as the Son of God are given eternal life. God grant John’s same attitude to all pastors and Christians still today. “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 hav

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 3:1-21. The people of Israel who begin to take notice of Jesus include those in the higher parts of society. Nicodemus, one of the rulers of the Jews, comes to Jesus by night seeking His teaching. When Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about another birth, Nicodemus misunderstands. Jesus tells Nicodemus that this second birth comes from above, worked by God through the water and Spirit. Nicodemus’ confusion intensifies, and although Jesus wonders how a teacher of Israel doesn’t understand, He continues to teach. Jesus says that He will be lifted up to give those who believe in Him eternal life; this is the way God loves 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 Hol

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 2:12-15. Jesus goes down to Capernaum for a few days before going up to Jerusalem for the Passover. When Jesus enters the temple, He sees that the buying and selling has overtaken the temple’s true purpose to be the place where sacrifices were offered on behalf of the people’s sins. In righteous anger, He makes a whip and drives out those who have profaned His Father’s house. When this earns Him the ire of the people, He speaks to them about the coming sign of His own death and resurrection. Jesus proclaims that He is the true temple in whom God dwells among His people. “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. Dr. Scott Murray, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 2:1-11. St. John has been giving a timeline during the first part of his Gospel that now places us on the sixth day. As God created the gift of marriage on the sixth day of creation, now Jesus is at a wedding on this sixth day to show forth the new creation in Him. The interaction between Jesus and His mother shows us Jesus’ focus on going to His hour of death and resurrection and the faithfulness of Mary as she trusts in Him. By making use of stone water jars normally used for purification, Jesus shows that He has come to bring true purity and holiness. The master of the feast preaches a sermon about Jesus unknowingly, for Jesus is the best of God’s gifts here for us right now. St. John tells us that this is the first of Jesus’ signs, intended to show who Jesus is for us and our salvation. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St.

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 1:43-51. Jesus continues to call disciples to Himself in Galilee; He takes the initiative. He speaks His authoritative word to Philip: “Follow Me!” The Word calls Philip to faith, and Philip goes to tell Nathanael that Jesus of Nazareth is the One promised by the Law and the Prophets. Nathanael is unimpressed by Jesus’ hometown, yet Philip is unfazed; he invites Nathanael to come and see Jesus. Jesus actually sees Nathanael first. He speaks things of Nathanael that He could not have known apart from divine knowledge, bringing Nathanael to make a fantastic confession that Jesus is the Son of God and King of Israel. Yet Jesus promises even greater things to come; in Him, heaven is opened to all who believe. “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

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 1:35-42. After John identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God a second time, two of his disciples follow Jesus. Jesus’ initial question to them is one that all who come to Jesus do well to consider: “What are you seeking?” They call Him “Rabbi,” and Jesus certainly is the true Teacher, though the Gospel will reveal He is also far more than that. These two disciples remain with Jesus; this introduces the importance for all of Jesus’ disciples to remain with Him in His Word. One of the two, Andrew, goes to find his brother Simon to tell him that Jesus is the Christ. Still today, Christians are quick to share the news of Jesus with family and friends. “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. Joh

Rev. Isaac Schuller, pastor at First Immanuel Lutheran Church in San Jose, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 1:19-34. St. John the Evangelist begins his account of the action with St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Christ. Although John is peppered with questions about himself, he is far more concerned with giving answers about Jesus, the One who follows him. When John sees coming toward him, he identifies Jesus as the One who will sacrifice himself on behalf of the sins of all people. John knows who Jesus is because God revealed Jesus to John at His baptism. This gives John the confidence to proclaim Jesus’ identity to all: Jesus is the Son of God. “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