You’ve earned it so it’s all yours right? That’s pretty much how most people view the “fruits of their labors.” But what if God asks you to let go of the fruit? Jesus, in his usual life challenging way, takes us and the religious leaders of his day on a little journey. He questions how […]
Grace on a Mission
Sermons from Pastor Tom Scholwert
Actions Speak Louder
Has anyone ever done something for you that they really didn’t have to do? Maybe it was one of those unexpected acts of kindness that caused you to be very grateful. Jesus reminds us in today’s text that we need to do what we are called to do. Our actions matter. Of course, we know […]
Grace is Not Fair
What immediately comes to mind when you hear the word “grace.” We use this word quite often, particularly as Lutherans. Have you experienced grace? Do you give grace to others? This gospel story is a parable that Jesus tells about the radical nature of God’s grace. The landowner gives all the workers the same wage, […]
Forgive Me
We’ve all been hurt. Because of that hurt, life can be very difficult. But Jesus has given us a gift. That gift is called forgiveness. In today’s gospel, Jesus tells the disciples and us about the enormous gift of forgiveness that God gives us. Forgiveness becomes the key to mending broken relationships. This is an […]
Human vs. Divine
Are you holding on to the hurt? Or have you been able to reconcile? When someone does something that hurts you, do you go talk to them about it or complain to someone else about it? Jesus approaches this in today’s gospel by giving the disciples how to deal with conflict, particularly with other Christians. […]
The Truth is Hard
Which door do you choose? Who or what do you choose to follow? These are the kinds of questions we are challenged with in today’s text. Jesus challenges the disciples and challenges us with a question of loyalty. Jesus begins to tell them that he will be going to the cross and in three days […]