You Have a Place at Grace - 10/28/2026

“He opened His mouth and taught them…” (Matt.5:2)

In classic Lutheran theology the didactic use of the Law is the 3^rd use that’s often called a “rule” or “guide.” “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Ps.119:105) is one of many verses underscoring God’s illumination in our lives by His instructive Word.

Just prior the Sermon on the Mount we hear Jesus’ fame is spreading (Matt.4:24) and people are bringing a variety of others riddled with afflictions ranging from paralysis to demons. Naturally Jesus gains a great following from the regions of Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and “beyond the Jordan.” Such healings are physical manifestations of Jesus’ power as the King of all creation—His creation He restores by His Word. Foreshadowing the Resurrection on the Last Day, the miracles provide a glimpse into what’s coming for the baptized believer.

The Beatitudes point to this future reality but also what believers have and endure here and now. We all want the miracle of a pure body liberated from disease and torment and certainly get it on the Last Day. But Jesus describes saints now as ones who are poor in spirit, mourn, hunger and thirst, and suffer persecution. They’re also called to be meek and merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. Jesus’ catechesis grounds us in reality while waiting and anticipating. The poor in spirit still have the Kingdom (v3). This is a present tense description prior all the “shall” verses following. Comfort, satisfaction, mercy, purity and seeing God “shall” come in perfection finally realized on the Last Day when the corruption puts on incorruption, the mortal puts on immortality. Now satins possess the Kingdom of God (v3) even in the poverty of sin, even while suffering persecution for righteousness’ sake (v10).

It’s not a coincidence that the Beatitudes Jesus brackets in His Word describing those possessing the Kingdom as “poor in spirit” and suffering persecution for righteousness’ sake. Suffering and persecution make for a prominent theme in the Bible experienced no less by Christ Himself. Followers can be under no delusions of the baptized life, a life under the cross in the footsteps of Jesus. But His teaching in this sublime Word in Matthew 5 assures us that in suffering you have the Kingdom by faith that possesses Christ and expects promises fulfilled on the Last Day when the termination of affliction is a reality. Because of this we can “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” standing in line with the prophets as heirs to that eternal life we find only in Jesus.

-By Rev. Ryan J. Ogrodowicz, “You Have a Place at Grace,” October 28th 2026

Grace Lutheran Church - Brenham, Texas

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod