The Large Catechism – part 112
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Luke 9:33
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments
The Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother, (that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.)
God has given the estate of fatherhood and motherhood this special distinction above all lower estates. He does not simply command us to love our parents, but to honor them. With respect to brothers, sisters, and our neighbors in general, he commands nothing higher than that we love them. He distinguishes father and mother above all other persons upon earth, placing them at his side.
Pulling It Together: Peter failed to recognize what was happening in this singular event that showed him the glory of Christ Jesus. Not only did Jesus shine with heavenly splendor, but a voice spoke from the overshadowing cloud, saying that the Son was distinguished above law and prophets. “Listen to him” (Luke 9:35). The gospel holds a special distinction and should be heeded, for that is the deeper meaning of the word “listen.” So that we may learn this transfiguring lesson, God gives us a unique earthly relationship. Mother and father are to be listened to, heeded, obeyed. In honoring them so, we learn to value a distinction that may begin to show us his own glory.
Prayer: Show me a glimpse of your glory, Lord, through my parents — if only in my memory of them. Amen.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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