The Small Catechism – part 230

The Small Catechism – part 230

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 1:5

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Holy Communion

How can bodily eating and drinking produce such great benefits?

It is not the eating and drinking alone, but also the words that accompany it, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, together with the eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the Sacrament, and those who believe them have what they say and declare, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

Pulling It Together: How solitary sits the city, how lonely and desolate. This is the lament of Jeremiah over Israel (Lamentations 1:1). Jesus grieves similarly over the people because they are without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34). This is the human condition. In the end, sin reduces each of us to ruins. There will be nothing left but suffering for those who will not recognize the time of their visitation (Luke 19:44). Only comprehend how complete God’s visitation is for us, for the world. Jesus has delivered us from our ruinous affliction, his own sufferings surrounding and defeating our ultimate human suffering: sin. He also gives us the strength and courage to “patiently endure” (2 Corinthians 1:6) while comforting others with his gospel (2 Corinthians1:4).

In doing so, Christ Jesus calls a communion of saints to refill the ruins, transforming them into a heavenly city. We already gather there in faith, seated around his table, believing the promise: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”

Prayer: Be my resolve, Lord, to endure through your Spirit. Amen.

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