Wild, Crazy, Illogical, Out of This World | Matthew 1:18-25 with Sarah Stenson & Lars Olson

Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson teach us in today’s episode that the temptation with this text is to tone down just how crazy this story is into something tame, understandable, and familiar. But, as you’ll hear, this story is truly out of this world.

Joseph thought his righteousness came from the law and his gentle demeanor toward Mary. Instead of stoning her, he was divorcing her quietly. Isn’t he a good guy?

But God’s word came to Joseph in a dream and changed him forevermore. God is with us. You are out of time to save yourself. Now it’s up to God’s mercy through His Son, Jesus.

CHALLENGE GRANT

A Luther House of Study donor is sponsoring a challenge grant. If you sponsor one podcast episode by the end of the year, another podcast episode will be sponsored on your behalf.

If you’d like to have your donation doubled, email Sarah Stenson at [e-mail] or go to lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTION

Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life’s challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more.

Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.

With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.

Because in the end, it’s not about fixing people—it’s about preaching the Gospel.

Care of Souls - Addiction

SING TO THE LORD

Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel.

• 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3IjGmMa
• 🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3
• 💻 Luther House of Study's website: http://bit.ly/SingtotheLord

GOSPEL

Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

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