Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 6:35–40
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
John 6:35–40
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Concerning the Invocation of Saints
Through indulgences they say that they apply the merits of the saints. Gabriel Biel, the interpreter of the canon of the Mass, confidently declares: “According to the order instituted by God, we should betake ourselves to the aid of the saints, in order that we may be saved by their merits and vows.” These are the words of Gabriel. Even more absurd things may be read here and there in the books and sermons of the adversaries. What is this if not to make the saints propitiators? If we are to trust that we are saved by the merits of saints then they are considered altogether equal to Christ.
Pulling It Together
Jesus said that whoever comes to him would never again hunger or thirst (John 6:35). Now that is satisfaction: to never be hungry or thirsty—and to never worry about being filled. But Jesus is not talking about the belly, otherwise he would not have called himself “the bread of life.” In this paragraph of the gospel, Jesus is speaking about eternal life and how we will be resurrected at the end. Jesus teaches us that there is a bread more important than the loaf in the bread box. Sufficient quantity of baked bread will keep us alive for 70 or 80 years (Psa 90:10). Feasting on the bread of life will make us live forever. Everyone who looks for life in the true bread “that comes down from heaven” will never die (John 11:26).
We are forgiven, made righteous, and saved through Christ alone. The Bread of Life is the only satisfaction for our sins. No other life, however meritorious, virtuous, or pious satisfies the law's demand (Rom 6:23) and turns away God’s just wrath. So believe and be satisfied.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for filling me with your own Spirit. Amen.
Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story which illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
Click Here For Content Archives