Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 6:5

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From the Word: And he said to them, “The Son of man is lord of the Sabbath.” (Luke 6:5)

From the ConfessionsThe Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments

The Third Commandment

Since so much depends upon God’s Word that no holy day can be sanctified without it, we must know that God insists upon a strict observance of this commandment, and will punish all who despise his Word and are not willing to hear and learn it, especially at the time appointed for the purpose.

Pulling It Together: Laws are not established as mere prohibition, but as protection and benefit for the people. This is the case with divine law as well as human. Though the command is exacting, the Third Commandment is for the benefit of God’s people. God has appointed a day of rest on which we may hear his word, his promises, his forgiveness, and all his benefits. This day has been prearranged as the time when all of God’s people come together to have their faith in him increased. We have every other day for work, and hopefully, for individual time in prayer. But let us come together on the Lord’s Day, as commanded, going “from faith to faith” (Rom 1:17) as the communion of saints. Those who despise the commandment will not escape punishment, nor will they find faith an easy thing.

Prayer: O Lord, help me love your Word and not despise your commandments. Amen.

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Family Matters is a nine-session Bible study that focuses on the first generations of God's people—Abraham and his descendants. It looks at how God's covenant promise sustained them as they navigated family relationships.

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