Saint John the Baptist Lutheran Church

08/24/2026

Good morning from St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church! We pick up in Mark, “and [Jesus] said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them’” (Mark 1:44 WEB). The baptized are called to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father. Look what Jesus has done for me!

08/21/2026

Jesus exercised his power as God to heal a l***r. Then we have a short and terse verse from Mark to wrap up our week: “[Jesus] strictly warned him and immediately sent him out” (Mark 1:43 WEB). We know the miracles of Jesus prefigured the healing baptism and forgiveness that he would give for the world. But at the time, people thought he was there to solve physical problems. Jesus dealt with these quickly and got on to the main event!

08/20/2026

A l***r asked for healing, and Jesus spoke the word. “When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was made clean” (Mark 1:42 WEB). An awesome miracle! The work of Satan and the effects of sin undone in a moment! And we have Christ's work among us today, in baptism, absolution (forgiveness), and the Lord's Supper. In these miracles, Jesus cleanses us from sin and drives away Satan: instantly and powerfully!

08/19/2026

Mark continues of Jesus: “Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, ‘I want to. Be made clean’” (Mark 1:41 WEB). God desires all to be saved. He promises that when we knock, the door will open. Still, his mercy is undeserved. We depend on him and must trust his mercy, yet we should also be surprised, that on us rebellious sinners he would have true compassion. Jesus loves me, even me!

08/18/2026

Mark continues, “A l***r came to [Jesus], begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, ‘If you want to, you can make me clean’” (Mark 1:40 WEB). What a beautiful prayer. This l***r knows that what Jesus desires is not his own arbitrary pleasure or whim—no, Jesus desires what is good for me! And if you desire it, Lord, you are able to wash and cleanse, restore, save, and resurrect your dear child. I am in your hands.

08/17/2026

Good morning from St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church! We continue with Mark's gospel about Jesus: “He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons” (Mark 1:39 WEB). Jesus evangelized (preached the gospel) all the time, but especially in the synagogues where the Jews would meet on the Sabbath. His coming as the Christ (Messiah) was the fulfillment—indeed the whole point!—of the Jewish religion.

08/16/2026

https://youtu.be/IFubleO4oRI

We are a community of Christians who gather together on Sunday morn...

08/14/2026

“He said to them, ‘Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason’” (Mark 1:38 WEB). Jesus does not pursue worldly strategy. He doesn't solidify his base of supporters before moving out—instead, he spreads his Word liberally and to all! And we benefit. He preaches, not to become popular, but that some may believe. Through his humility, we will be exalted; by his death, we live!