Ministry of the Church (8)
  1. Jesus has instituted his living-breathing disciples, his shepherds in his church, to declare the full forgiveness of sins.
  2. Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread, so we, through the working of the Holy Spirit, recognize our Lord in the Word and Sacraments.
  3. Jesus does not put us on trial and make us pay for our own sin, but he, himself, is put on trial in our place.
  4. Today, Maundy Thursday, we receive the feast of Christ’s true body and blood for us, for the forgiveness of our sins. All of them.
  5. Jesus does not seek out Peter to condemn, but to restore his precious lost sheep, His dearly loved prodigal son.
  6. The Lord who stood before her seemed reckless in His love. Her sin didn't deter Him. Rather, it was the reason He came.
  7. Jesus continues to breathe His gifts on His beloved. He continues to breathe absolution upon sinners like me and you, He continues to fill us with the Holy Spirit and all His comfort.
  8. As we stand before our Lord dead in our transgressions and guilt, Jesus pronounces His judgment upon us. He absolves us.