The Small Catechism – part 227
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 2:15–16
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Holy Communion
What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?
It is pointed out in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Through these words the forgiveness of sin, life, and salvation are given to us in the Sacrament, for where there is forgiveness of sin, there is also life and salvation.
Pulling It Together: What a pleasing fragrance arises to God when his church believes the gospel by eating and drinking in remembrance of Christ Jesus. The aroma of our witness extends horizontally as well (1 Corinthians 11:26). It touches the lives of others because the smell of Christ is in our eating and drinking. Of course, this is true because we are communing on Christ himself. But it is also true because the faith to do so is initiated by the Spirit of Christ within us. Jesus is the competency or adequacy of our table testimony. Holy Communion is Jesus Christ through and through, and because of that, a profound witness to himself until he comes again in glory to judge the living and the dead.
Prayer: I will depend upon you, Lord, to be the sufficiency of my witness for you. 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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