The Small Catechism – part 43
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 15:10–11, 18–20
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Third Commandment
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
What does this mean?
Answer: We should fear and love God so that we do not despise his Word and the preaching of it, but acknowledge it as holy, and gladly hear and learn it.
Pulling It Together: But the Sabbath is a Saturday, not a Sunday, you may argue. Yes, the Jewish Sabbath was Saturday; actually, it was Friday evening until Saturday evening. This is an important consideration for those keeping the outward commands—or keeping the commands outwardly. Christians should be intent on keeping the inward commands, so that even the outward commandments are observed in an inward manner. Therefore, law keeping can no longer be about legalistic duties, those things one must do in order to be right with God. Because Christ Jesus has justified those who believe, we keep the commandments for different reasons now. The important matter here is resting, not counting.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for fulfilling the law for me when I could not. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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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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