Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The crowds eagerly follow Jesus, drawn by His miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Yet, Jesus confronts their motives, urging them to seek not earthly bread but the true Bread of Life—Himself. As He speaks of giving His flesh and blood for food that we must “eat,” His words provoke confusion and even rejection. Naturally, when Jesus speaks of His body and blood, we think of the Lord’s Supper. Is Jesus giving us here a hint of things to come or something else? Scholars continue to explore this profound question, but what if the argument itself misses the point? The Rev. John Shank, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 6:22-59 The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Jesus unveils His divine authority and tender care with breathtaking clarity, meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of His people. With just five loaves and two fish, He feeds a massive crowd, leaving them amazed and satisfied, and then, as chaos brews on the stormy sea, He strides across the waves to bring peace to His terrified disciples. These miraculous acts radiate the power of the One who commands creation itself and offers Himself as the Bread of Life. The Rev. David Bass, pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church and School in Ft. Meyers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 6:1-12. The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Jesus reveals the profound unity between Himself and God the Father. He explains that He does nothing on His own but only what He sees the Father doing, reflecting a perfect harmony in their divine work. Jesus asserts that the Father has entrusted Him with the authority to give life and to judge all humanity, highlighting that honoring the Son is inseparable from honoring the Father. He prophesies a future resurrection where the faithful will rise to eternal life, while those who have done evil will face judgment. To affirm His divine mission, Jesus points to multiple witnesses: the testimony of John the Baptist, the miraculous works He performs, the sacred Scriptures, and the direct testimony of God Himself. Through these, He urges the people to believe in Him, for in Him lies the promise of eternal life.The Rev. Bryan Stecker, pastor at Trinity Lutheran in Waconia, MN, joins guest host Rev. David Boisclair to study John 5:19-47.The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

While in Jerusalem, Jesus encounters a man who has been crippled for 38 years and miraculously heals him, instructing him to take up his mat and walk. This act takes place on the Sabbath, provoking the anger of the Jewish authorities who deem it unlawful to carry a mat on the holy day. When questioned, Jesus defends His actions, asserting that He is simply doing the work of His Father, God. This statement further incenses the leaders, as they realize it is a bold claim to divine equality.The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins guest host Rev. Doug Griebenaw to study John 5:1-18.The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Jesus' disciples return to find Him in conversation with a Samaritan woman—a surprising encounter that defies social and cultural norms. The woman, moved by the Holy Spirit, abandons her water jar and rushes back to her village, proclaiming the arrival of a man who "told me everything I ever did." Her testimony stirs the townspeople, leading many to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Meanwhile, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the spiritual harvest, emphasizing the urgency of spreading the Gospel message. Later, Jesus travels to Galilee, where He heals the son of a royal official in Capernaum from a distance, demonstrating His power and leading the official and his entire household to believe in Him.The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, Florida, joins guest host Rev. David Boisclair to study John 4:27-54.The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Jesus, traveling through Samaria, stops at Jacob’s well and encounters a Samaritan woman. Breaking social and cultural norms, He engages in a profound conversation with her, revealing Himself as the source of “living water” that quenches a deeper thirst than any earthly water could satisfy. As Jesus exposes her past yet offers her grace, He unveils truths about worship and declares openly, “I who speak to you am He”—revealing Himself as the Messiah. The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 4:26. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

As Jesus' ministry gains momentum, John the Baptist's disciples raise concerns that people are now flocking to Jesus instead of their own teacher. But with great humility, John joyfully declares his role is to prepare the way for the true Messiah— the Bridegroom who has come from heaven. John humbly proclaims, "He must increase, but I must decrease," acknowledging Christ's divine authority and mission to bring eternal life to all who believe. The Rev. Weston Wildauer, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 3:22-36. The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Under the cover of night, Nicodemus, a Pharisee and teacher, seeks Jesus for answers only He can give. Jesus speaks of being “born again” through water and the Spirit, challenging Nicodemus—and all who listen—to see the kingdom of God in a new light. In this intimate exchange, the mystery of salvation unfolds, revealing the profound love of God for the world through His only Son. John 3:16, a verse echoing through the ages, calls believers to embrace the promise of eternal life. This passage invites us into the heart of the gospel, where faith and rebirth offer a new beginning. The Rev. Dr. Rich Rudowske, Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 3:1-21. The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Jesus’ ministry begins with two powerful acts: turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana and cleansing the temple in Jerusalem. At Cana, Jesus shows love and respect for His mother by answering her request, revealing His divine power in an intimate setting. Jesus shows that joy and celebration are not frivolous, but the proper response to God’s gifts in creation. Then, in the temple, His zeal for His Father’s house drives Him to confront corruption. Jesus demonstrates his righteous judgment as he turns over tables and whips the moneychangers out of the temple. The Rev. Mitchell Gowen, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Aiea, Hawai’i, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 2:1-25. The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

As John the Baptist declares Jesus to be the Lamb of God, two of his own followers, including Andrew, are drawn to Jesus and ask Him where He is staying. With a simple invitation—"Come and you will see"—Jesus begins gathering those who would become His closest companions. Andrew brings his brother, Simon Peter, and soon after, Philip and Nathanael are called. But when Nathanael skeptically questions whether anything good can come from Nazareth, Jesus surprises him with insights only God could know, sparking Nathanael’s awe-filled confession: "You are the Son of God!" These first encounters reveal not only Jesus’ powerful insight but the mystery and wonder He inspires in those who come near. The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 1:35-51. The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity. From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God’s love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God’s revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John’s Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.