The Large Catechism – part 116
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Luke 10:25–28
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.)
Secondly, take note of how great, good, and holy a work is assigned to children, yet regrettably, one that is utterly neglected and ignored. No one perceives that God has commanded it, or that it is a holy, divine word and doctrine. For if we had regarded it as such, everyone could have concluded that those who live according to these words must be holy men. There would have been no need to invent monasticism or spiritual orders, for every child would have lived by this commandment. Each could have directed his conscience to God and said, “If I am to do good and holy works, I know of none better than to render all honor and obedience to my parents, because God himself has commanded it.”
Pulling It Together: Even Jesus obeyed the commandment to honor his earthly parents, as well as his heavenly Father. Honoring one’s parents is an extension of the greatest commandment: to love your neighbor as yourself. The closest neighbors you have are your mother and father. Love them. Cherish them. You are doubly commanded to do so, and in the doing, you love and honor both neighbor and God.
Prayer: Help me to honor my parents, Lord, and live. 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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