The Small Catechism – part 75
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:5–12
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Fifth Commandment
You shall not kill.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do our neighbors no bodily harm nor cause them any suffering, but help and befriend them in every need.
Pulling It Together: The temptation is to lash out, to retaliate, to pay back. But that is not Jesus’ way, though he was tempted. When he was criticized and even beaten, Jesus could have called down legions of angels to defend himself (Matthew 26:53), but he did not retaliate. He did not even open his mouth in defense (Matthew 26:63; Mark 14:61; 1 Peter 2:23). Following in his example, we are to regard those who despise and insult us as our neighbors. We are to pray for such people (Matthew 5:43–48), even aid them with food and water (Romans 12:20). In other words, we are to love them by showing them the same basic considerations we would desire. This is not an easy response, but it is the righteous one. It is the meek response of Jesus, and so it must be the same for his followers. There is great satisfaction and peace in knowing this is God’s will, that Christ will demonstrate his power in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and that there is reward in heaven for obedient children of the Father.
Prayer: Give me the courage to follow you, Lord. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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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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