Lutheran Illustrations
Law and Gospel, justification by faith, sacramental theology.
Key question: “How does this distinguish Law from Gospel?”
14930 illustrations found
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 4:18-19
We read Luke 4:18-19 as a proclamation of the Gospel, centered on Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise. This passage is Christological, announcing that Christ himself is the one anointed to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to set at liberty those who are opp
Genesis 41:9-36 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 41:9-36 highlights God's sovereignty and providence in the midst of human suffering and community needs. The narrative showcases how Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams leads to practical actions that benefit not just Egypt but also surrounding nations, exemplifying the Anabaptist commitment to communal well-being and the call to serve others in love.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:43-48
We read Matthew 5:43-48 through the Lutheran Lens as Law exposing our inability to fulfill God's command to love our enemies perfectly. This passage reveals the depth of our sin, for it demands a love that mirrors God's perfect love, which we, in our sinful nature, cannot achieve. The Law here drive
Genesis 28:10-22 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 28:10-22 highlights God's promise of presence and guidance in the midst of human journeying. This passage invites believers to recognize God as an ever-present source of peace, calling them to live in community and discipleship, reflecting God's character as they navigate life's challenges.
Living Out Compassion - Contemporary Example
Imagine a young mother, Sarah, who faced a heart-wrenching decision when her estranged father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Years of hurtful words and abandonment had built a thick wall between them, yet as she wrestled with her emotions, she...
Genesis 18:1-15 - Anabaptist Perspective
In this passage, Anabaptists see God's promise to Abraham and Sarah as a profound affirmation of community and hospitality. The laughter of Sarah reflects both disbelief and the joy that accompanies God's unexpected grace, inviting us to trust in God's timing and provision within the context of community. This story illustrates the importance of welcoming the stranger, aligning with our peace witness and commitment to justice.
Real-World Compassion - Teaching Material
Proverbs 3:5-6 invites us into a profound trust in the Lord: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This wisdom...
Practical Compassion - Contemporary Example
Imagine a single mother named Maria, who juggles two jobs while raising her two young children. Life has thrown her a barrage of challenges: a recent layoff, the weight of bills piling up, and the constant worry of providing a...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
We read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, understanding the call to be awake and sober as Law that exposes our natural tendency to spiritual slumber and complacency. Yet, the passage also delivers Gospel assurance: 'God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation
Daily Reflection: Perseverance - Prayer
As we journey through life, we often find ourselves in the throes of challenges that test our faith and resolve. Picture a gardener tending to a young sapling, nurturing it through storms and seasons. Each drop of rain, each gust...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 24:1-6
We read Psalm 24:1-6 through the Lutheran Lens as a rich tapestry of Law and Gospel. The opening verses declare the sovereignty of God over all creation (Law), exposing our inability to claim any merit or worthiness apart from God's grace. Verses 3-4 confront us with the impossible standards of puri
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 27:1-40
We read Genesis 27:1-40 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law's exposure of human sinfulness in Jacob and Rebekah's deceit and Esau's bitterness. This passage starkly presents the brokenness of human relationships and the futility of striving for blessings through human cunning. Ye
Living Out Perseverance - Illustration
Consider the life of a gardener, tending to a small plot of land. Each morning, they rise early, armed with a spade and a heart full of hope. The soil is often hard and unyielding, the seeds seem so small,...
Quiet Time: Compassion - Biblical Insight
As we gather today, I invite you to imagine a weary traveler, burdened not just by the weight of their pack but by the struggles of life. Perhaps you see yourself in this image. The road has been long, and...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Philippians 2:5-11 (The Christ Hymn)
We read Philippians 2:5-11 as a profound exposition of the theology of the cross, where Christ's humiliation and exaltation reveal the core of the Gospel. Through this passage, we see the definitive act of grace, where Christ, though in the form of God, took on the form of a servant and was obedient
Genesis 19:12-29 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 19:12-29 is interpreted through the lens of God's promise of salvation and the call to live in peace and justice. The passage highlights the importance of community, mercy, and the consequences of a life lived outside of God's will, emphasizing that true discipleship involves a radical commitment to God's justice and righteousness, even in the face of societal condemnation.
Applying Self-control - Teaching Material
We often think of self-control as simply the ability to resist temptation or to manage our impulses. Yet, in the light of Ephesians 2:8-9, we see a deeper, more profound understanding of what it means to live within the grace...
Genesis 30:25-43 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 30:25-43 can be interpreted as a reflection of God's providence and the value of community and stewardship in our lives. The passage illustrates the complexity of human relationships, highlighting the importance of trust and cooperation in the community of faith, rather than the pursuit of individual gain.
Applying Forgiveness - Illustration
Imagine a community potluck, where each person brings their favorite dish, contributing to a feast that reflects their unique tastes and stories. As the table fills up, laughter and conversation flow, creating an atmosphere of warmth and belonging. This gathering...
Genesis 29:31-35 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 29:31-35 is understood as a profound reflection on God's concern for those marginalized in society, particularly women. Leah's experience of being unloved yet blessed with children emphasizes God's grace and attentiveness to the plight of the oppressed, reminding the community of the importance of embracing and uplifting those who struggle for recognition and love.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 49:1-27
We read Genesis 49:1-27 through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing Jacob's blessings and curses upon his sons as both a revelation of human sinfulness and a shadow of God's redemptive promise. The passage lays bare the Law's demands as it reveals the character and future of each tribe, highlighting
Genesis 30:1-24 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 30:1-24 emphasizes the importance of community and relational dynamics within families and broader groups. The narrative illustrates the complexities of human desire and rivalry, but it also highlights God's providence in weaving together the stories of individuals to create a community that reflects His grace and purpose.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 23:1-6 (The Lord is My Shepherd)
We read Psalm 23 through the Lutheran Lens as an exquisite proclamation of the Gospel. The Lord as our Shepherd is Christ himself, who leads us through the valley of the shadow of death, pointing us to the theology of the cross. This Psalm is Gospel in its purest form, delivering the promise of God'
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 50:1-14
We read Genesis 50:1-14 through the Lutheran Lens by focusing on the tension between Law and Gospel. This passage, detailing Joseph's mourning and burial of his father Jacob, is a powerful reminder of the Law's work in confronting us with death, the ultimate consequence of sin. Yet, we also see the