Lutheran Witness: April 2025

The April issue of The Lutheran Witness provides “An Old Testament Walk Through Holy Week” — discussing how the events of Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday are prefigured in the Old Testament.

From the President: Most Righteous God, Most Kind Father

Life in the Church Year Series: Holy Triduum & Hot Cross Buns

Features:

Introduction: How to use this issue

Behold, Your King Will Come To You: A reflection for Palm Sunday — Kevin Golden

The Anointed Prophet, Priest and King: A reflection for Monday of Holy Week — Andrew Steinmann

Who Has Believed?: A reflection for Tuesday of Holy Week — Andrew Steinmann

Betrayed by a Friend: A reflection for Wednesday of Holy Week — Andrew Steinmann

‘Taste and See That the Lord Is Good’: A reflection for Maundy Thursday — Geoffrey R. Boyle

The Day of the Lord Has Come and Is Coming: A reflection for Good Friday — Brian T. German

On Yahweh’s Mountain: A reflection for Easter Sunday — Brian L. Kachelmeier

Departments:

Snippets: News from around the LCMS and the world

Walking Together: A congregational spotlight on St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockton, Ill.

Worship: Words Worth Savoring

Formula of Concord Reading Plan: April — Good Works

Searching Scripture: Opening the Old Testament: The Suffering Servant

From the editor:

When Jesus walked alongside the disciples on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection, He “interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus isn’t merely a golden thread popping up here and there throughout the Old Testament whenever a direct prophecy appears; rather, He is the sum and substance of the Old Testament even as He is the sum and substance of the New Testament. All the Scriptures testify to Him.

As we look at the Old Testament, we can see Him in various ways. Of course there are prophecies. There are also “types” of Christ — people or things in the Old Testament that point to Christ in some way. For example, the bronze serpent that God had Moses hang on a pole in Numbers 21 (see cover image) is at type of Christ. When the people of Israel gazed upon the bronze serpent, they were healed of the serpent’s fiery bites. So also all who trust in Christ on the cross receive healing for their sins. At the same time, the type is imperfect. The bronze serpent eventually became an idol that King Hezekiah had to destroy (2 Kings 18:4).

All throughout the Old Testament, we see these figures pointing to Christ. In this issue of The Lutheran Witness, you’ll follow along with the events of Jesus’ life during Holy Week, paired with a number of Old Testament readings. You will observe how these Old Testament events and people are fulfilled in Christ, especially culminating in His resurrection from the dead. We hope it serves as a devotional guide for you leading up to the Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day. Make sure you start with page 8, which offers advice on how to use this issue.

Finally, I want to introduce (re-introduce) our new managing editor, Stacey Eising. Stacey has served as interim managing editor since August. A lifelong Lutheran, Stacey studied at the rigorous Hillsdale College, earned a certificate of copyediting from the University of Chicago’s Graham School, and has taken additional courses of theological study at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

I couldn’t be more pleased to hand over the reins of this 142-year-old publication into her more than capable hands. I will continue to be closely involved in the work of this magazine; Stacey and I discuss every issue, author and article. We share the same vision for The Lutheran Witness: a theological magazine for the laity of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod that helps you interpret the world from a Lutheran perspective, that is to say, by looking to Christ and Him crucified in all you say and do.

In Christ,

Roy S. Askins

Executive Editor, The Lutheran Witness