The grumbling of the religious leaders in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God seeks and saves the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As the writer of 1 Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God.
Readings and Psalm
- Exodus 32:7-14
Moses begs the Lord to turn from anger against the Hebrews - Psalm 51:1-10
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. (Ps. 51:1) - 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Christ Jesus came for sinners - Luke 15:1-10
Looking for the lost sheep, silver coin: Jesus eating with sinners
Semicontinuous First Reading and Psalm
- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Judgment is spoken against Jerusalem - Psalm 14
The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all. (Ps. 14:2)
First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 