The Smalcald Articles – part 42
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 6:53–56
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles
As a Christian and saint upon earth, you may pray for me, not only for one, but for many needs. I am not obliged to adore and pray to you because you do, nor celebrate festivals, fast, make oblations, hold masses for your honor, and put my faith in you for my salvation. I can honor, love, and thank you in Christ in other ways. If such idolatrous honor were withdrawn from angels and departed saints, the remaining honor would cause no harm and be quickly forgotten. When spiritual and physical reward and assistance are no longer expected, the saints will not be troubled, either in their graves or in heaven. For not many will remember, or esteem, or honor them out of pure love unless there is a reward.
Pulling It Together: Jesus’ disciples had just seen him walking on the sea, did not recognize him, and were terrified. Yet the people of Gennesaret “immediately recognized him” and were overjoyed at his presence. As though his disciples were not even present, the people hurried to bring their sick to Jesus. Why? Because they knew that wherever Jesus went, he would heal their sick. Jesus loves to heal people with faith in him, for such faith makes them well (Mark 5:34; Luke 17:19).
Like the townspeople, we are expected to bring out the sick and present them before Jesus (James 5:14–16). We may confidently pray to the Lord for one another, since his Word urges us to do so. However, Scripture does not have us pray to saints or expect anything from them. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Pray to him.
Prayer: Give me faith to believe, Lord God, that you hear my prayers — and answer me. Amen
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Author
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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