Fixing our eyes on Jesus

August 2026 / Bible Study of the Month 

In our worship in church every part of the Divine Service points us to Jesus. From confession & absolution through the Service of the Word to the service of the Sacrament our eyes are on Jesus. That is to say, as we worship, the focus isn’t on us. So let’s see how this is that we fix our eyes on Jesus.

We enter the body of Christ and the holy Christian Church through Baptism (Romans 6:3-4). Each time we enter God’s house, we remember our Baptism by invoking God’s name, which was placed upon us at our Baptism (Matthew 28:19). 

According to I Corinthians 6:11 and Hebrews 10:19-25, why can we confidently enter God’s house & His presence?

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We also begin the Divine Service penitent before the altar confessing our sins for forgiveness. How do 1^st John:8-9 and Psalm 32:5 prepare us to confess our sins, receive God’s absolution and hear His Word?

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In the Service of the Word, the pastor ascends from the nave to the chancel, the place where the Word and Sacraments are administered. The forte of the Service of the Word is the reading of the Holy Gospel, the culmination of the Scripture readings. The congregation stands & the Gospel is read by the pastor. How does John 20:31 summarize the importance and prominence of the four (4) Gospels in the life of the Church?

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Jesus tells His apostles to “Go into all the world & proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15). The pastor’s move up to the pulpit signifies the continual importance of God preached Word in the Divine Service. In what way does Acts 8:9-13 show us the power of that preached Word? 

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At the center of the chancel, is God’s altar, the symbol of His presence among His people. Here our attention moves to the Sacrament of the Altar. Here the words of Institution are spoken. Here we approach on bended knee to receive forgiveness in the true body & blood of our Savior. This holy Sacrament also gives us a foretaste of the feast to come. How do I Corinthians 11:26 & Revelation 19:6-9 create anticipation of this future feast?

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The Divine Service concludes with the benediction & we’re sent with the Lord’s blessing & peace. Having received God’s gifts; remembered our Baptism; and been filled with His forgiveness, Word, & Sacrament; we respond with the only words that can be said: “Amen.”