Sola Devotions

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 28:18–20

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Matthew 28:18–20

From the Confessions: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope 

I. In Luke 22:25, Christ expressly prohibits lordship among the apostles. This was the very question the disciples were disputing when Christ spoke of His passion: who should be their leader and, as it were, the vicar of the departed Christ. Christ rebuked this error and taught the apostles that there should not be lordship or superiority among them, but that the apostles should be sent forth as equals in the common ministry of the Gospel. Accordingly, he said, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves” (Luke 22:25–26). The antithesis here shows that lordship is not permitted.

Pulling It Together

This is not to say that Christianity is supposed to me some form of democracy. It is not, for we do have a supreme leader, a head over us all. Christ is far above all names throughout time and even in the age to come (Eph 1:21). He is the head of the Church, both now and forever. He needs and desires no vicarious substitute in his supposed absence, for he is not gone (Matt 28:20). Let us serve under his rule, as though he were in our midst—as he surely is.

Prayer: Help me live under your authority, Lord, and therefore bear witness to you in my vocation, that place where you have sent me into the world. Amen.

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