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: Matthew 17:1-13
We read Matthew 17:1-13 through the Lutheran Lens as a revelation of both Law and Gospel. The transfiguration of Christ is a profound display of His divine glory, which terrifies the disciples, revealing their sinful inability to stand in His holy presence (Law). Yet, in the midst of this, the Gospe
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 10:1-15
We read Psalm 10:1-15 through the dialectic of Law and Gospel, where the psalmist's lament over God's seeming absence is the Law revealing the depth of human despair and the world's injustice. This passage exposes the sin of pride and arrogance in the wicked, highlighting the Law's role in showing o
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
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 2:1-11
We read John 2:1-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the miracle at Cana as a revelation of Christ's glory and an embodiment of the Gospel's promise. This passage reveals Christ as the one who provides abundantly and graciously, pointing to the eschatological wedding feast and the ful
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 21:1-14
We read John 21:1-14 through the Lutheran Lens as a narrative that highlights both the Law and the Gospel. The Law is evident in the disciples' fruitless night of fishing, symbolizing human inability and the futility of effort apart from Christ. The Gospel shines forth in Christ's provision of an ab
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 3:1-8
We read Psalm 3:1-8 as a vivid illustration of the tension between Law and Gospel, with David's lament revealing the crushing pressure of the Law in his dire circumstances. David's cry for deliverance reflects our own condition under the Law, besieged by sin and unable to save ourselves. Yet, the Go
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 19:1-6
We read Psalm 19:1-6 as a proclamation of the Law, revealing God's majesty and power through creation. The heavens declare the glory of God, yet in their beauty, they also testify to our inability to achieve such perfection on our own. The Law is evident in the order and splendor of creation, which
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 11:1-7
We read Psalm 11:1-7 through the lens of Law and Gospel. The psalmist's cry for refuge in the Lord reveals the Law's function to expose our helplessness and the Gospel's promise of God's protection and deliverance. The verses highlight the tension between the righteous and the wicked, pointing us to
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Isaiah 58:6-7 (True Fasting)
We read Isaiah 58:6-7 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing that it serves primarily as Law by exposing our failure to live out genuine fasting and righteousness. The text challenges us by highlighting our inability to fulfill God's demands for justice and mercy on our own. It points to ou
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 53:1-6
We read Psalm 53 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing that this passage powerfully exposes the total depravity of humanity apart from God's grace. Verses 1-3 serve as a stark proclamation of the Law, revealing the folly and corruption inherent in those who deny God. The Psalm confronts us
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 through the lens of Law and Gospel. The passage highlights the purpose of Scripture: to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness. The Law reveals our sinfulness and inability to meet God's standards, while the Gospel in Scripture delivers the promise of grace thro
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 4:1-8
We read Psalm 4 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing it as a text that juxtaposes human distress with divine deliverance. The opening plea for mercy and relief from distress (v.1) reflects our profound need for God's grace, echoing the Law's exposure of human insufficiency. Yet, the assur
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 2:1-12
We read Psalm 2 as a profound revelation of the tension between Law and Gospel. The rebellion of the nations and kings against the Lord and His Anointed is a clear proclamation of the Law, exposing the depth of humanity's sinful nature and opposition to God's rule. Yet, the Gospel breaks through in
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Deuteronomy 10:12-22
In Deuteronomy 10:12-22, we read this passage through the Lutheran Lens as a profound interaction between Law and Gospel. The call to fear the Lord and walk in His ways reveals the Law's demands, exposing our inability to fulfill them due to our sinful nature. Yet, this passage also points beyond it
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 10:25-37
We read the parable of the Good Samaritan through the lens of Law and Gospel. The initial question, 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?' immediately sets the stage for a Law reading, exposing the lawyer's attempt to justify himself. The Law's demand is laid bare in the command to 'love your nei
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: 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: 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: Proverbs 31:8-9 (Speak Up for the Voiceless)
We read Proverbs 31:8-9 as a call to live out our baptismal identity in the world, where the Law requires us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. This passage serves as a demonstration of the Third Use of the Law, guiding the baptized in their vocations. While the Law exposes our f
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Mark 10:42-45
We read this passage as a definitive illustration of the theology of the cross. Jesus subverts the disciples' understanding of greatness by pointing to his own impending suffering and death as the true path to glory. This is a stark presentation of the Law, as it exposes our human inclination toward
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 8:19-22
We read Romans 8:19-22 through the lens of the theology of the cross, recognizing that creation itself is subjected to futility, reflecting the deep corruption of sin. This passage is primarily Law, showing the groaning of creation under the weight of the Fall and the curse of sin. Yet, it also hint
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.
Real-World Grace - Illustration
Imagine for a moment a weary traveler, burdened by the weight of their luggage. They have journeyed long and hard, driven by the hope of reaching a destination that promises rest and renewal. Yet, here they are, glancing at their...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Philippians 4:6-7 (Do Not Be Anxious)
We read Philippians 4:6-7 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law's exposure of our inherent anxiety and inability to trust God fully. The command 'Do not be anxious' reveals our failure to live in perfect trust, convicting us of our need for Christ. Yet, in the Gospel, we encounter