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: Acts 2:42-47
We read this passage as a powerful illustration of the early church living out their baptismal identity in the communal life of Word, Sacrament, and fellowship. This text demonstrates the means of grace in action, particularly the breaking of bread and prayers, as central to the life of the church.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 9:18-27
We read this passage as a powerful intersection of Law and Gospel. Jesus' question, 'Who do you say that I am?' (v. 20), demands a confession that reveals both our inability to fully comprehend His nature (Law) and His gracious revelation of Himself as the Christ (Gospel). Peter's confession is not
Genesis 33:12-20 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 33:12-20 illustrates the importance of reconciliation and community. Jacob's humble approach to Esau reflects a commitment to peace and restoration, resonating with the Anabaptist call to embody Christ's love and forgiveness in our relationships. This passage emphasizes that genuine community is built on the principles of humility, non-violence, and the pursuit of peace.
Genesis 47:27-31 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 47:27-31 serves as a reminder of the importance of community and mutual support within the body of Christ. It illustrates the value of living as a faithful community that embodies the kingdom of God, particularly in the ways we care for one another and uphold the principles of peace and justice.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 12:22-34
We read Luke 12:22-34 as a vivid application of the distinction between Law and Gospel. The Law exposes our anxiety and misplaced trust in material wealth, revealing our failure to trust in God's providence. The Gospel assures us that God values us infinitely more than the birds and flowers, promisi
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Acts 2:17-18
We read Acts 2:17-18 as a powerful proclamation of the Gospel, highlighting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh as the fulfillment of God's promises. This passage is a vivid demonstration of the theology of the cross, where God works through unexpected means—sons and daughters, young an
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 1:1-5
We read John 1:1-5 as a profound Christological declaration that the Word, who is Christ, was both with God and is God from the beginning. This passage is Gospel in its purest form, revealing the incarnation of Christ as God's ultimate promise and grace to us. It shows that the light of Christ shine
Understanding Love - Application
When Paul writes about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, he begins with love—a *karpos* (fruit) that is the very essence of God’s character. This love is not merely an emotion; it is a profound commitment to the...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Leviticus 19:34
We read Leviticus 19:34 through the lens of Law and Gospel. As a command to love the sojourner, this text first functions as Law, exposing our failure to love those who are different from us, hence revealing our sin. Yet, it also points us to Christ, the true Israelite who perfectly fulfills this La
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Amos 5:21-27
We read Amos 5:21-27 through the Lutheran Lens as a stern proclamation of the Law. This passage reveals God's profound displeasure with mere external worship devoid of justice and righteousness, exposing the sinfulness of relying on ritual without heartfelt obedience. We see the Law at work here, hi
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
We read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 as a profound exposition of the rhythm and order God has established in creation, a rhythm that points us to both Law and Gospel. These 'times and seasons' remind us of our finitude and the futility of striving against God's ordained order, highlighting our need for a Savi
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Acts 2:44-45
We read Acts 2:44-45 through the lens of the communal life of the early church as a reflection of the Gospel's transformative power. This passage demonstrates the fruits of faith and the embodiment of love that flows from justification by faith alone. The sharing of possessions is not a law to be fu
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 1:14
We read John 1:14 as the profound declaration of the Word becoming flesh, where the eternal Logos, the second person of the Trinity, enters into our humanity. This passage is Gospel at its core, proclaiming the incarnation as the ultimate act of God’s grace where Christ takes on human weakness and s
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 18:1-11
We read this passage as a profound illustration of the tension between Law and Gospel. The arrest of Jesus in John 18:1-11 is Law in that it exposes the sinfulness of humanity — Judas's betrayal and Peter's violent defense both reveal how far we fall short of God's righteousness. Yet, it also hints
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Colossians 3:18-4:1
We read Colossians 3:18-4:1 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing Paul's exhortations to households as both a reflection of God's holy Law and a guide for the baptized in their earthly vocations. These verses expose our failure to live perfectly in our roles, driving us to repentance and f
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 22:1-14
We read this passage through the distinct lens of Law and Gospel. The parable of the wedding feast illustrates the Law in the rejection of the king’s invitation, exposing the stubbornness and sinfulness of the human heart — the old Adam. Yet, the Gospel breaks through in the king’s insistence on fil
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 24:1-14
We read Matthew 24:1-14 as a profound interplay of Law and Gospel. The Law is vividly present as Jesus describes the impending destruction and turmoil, reminding us of our human frailty and the world's brokenness. Yet, the Gospel shines through in Christ's assurance that 'the one who endures to the
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:1-13
We read Matthew 25:1-13 through the Lutheran Lens as a parable that starkly distinguishes between Law and Gospel. The parable of the ten virgins is a powerful Law text, exposing the futility of human preparedness in spiritual matters apart from Christ. The shutting of the door signifies the Law's fi
The Power of Joy - Story
There was a time when my neighbor, an elderly gentleman named Mr. Thompson, faced a profound storm in his life. After losing his beloved wife, he found himself engulfed in grief, drowning in memories that felt more like chains than...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 150:1-6
In the Lutheran Lens tradition, we read Psalm 150 as a jubilant expression of Gospel proclamation, where the entire creation is called to praise the God who has accomplished salvation for us. This psalm underscores the theology of the cross by pointing to the praise due to God not for human works or
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 7:10-13
In John 7:10-13, we read this passage as a vivid depiction of the tension between Law and Gospel. The secrecy of Jesus' journey to the festival and the fear among the people indicate the power of the Law's judgment looming over them. Yet, within this tension, we also recognize the hiddenness of the
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12
We read John 9:1-12 as a profound illustration of the distinction between Law and Gospel. The disciples' question about the man's blindness reflects the Law, exposing human assumptions about sin and suffering. Jesus' response shifts the focus to the Gospel, revealing God's purpose to display His wor
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Acts 1:6-11
In Acts 1:6-11, we read this passage as a powerful moment of Law and Gospel. The Law is evident in the disciples' misunderstanding of Christ's kingdom, revealing human sin and the desire for a theology of glory. The Gospel, however, shines brightly as Christ promises the Holy Spirit, assuring them o
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 46:8-11
We read Psalm 46:8-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing both God's sovereignty over creation (Law) and His promise of peace through Christ (Gospel). In this passage, the call to 'be still and know that I am God' is an invitation to rest in the Gospel promise, knowing that our salvation