Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 6:48–50
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From the Word: 48 And seeing that they were struggling to row, for the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking on the sea. And he wanted to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea, they supposed it was an apparition, and cried out. 50 For they all saw him, and were afraid. But immediately, he spoke with them, and said, “Be courageous; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:48–50)
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Holy Communion
What is Holy Communion?
Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, given to us Christians to eat and drink, as it was instituted by Christ himself.
Pulling It Together: Jesus reveals his divine power at times when those in need may apprehend. He speaks to peace of heart, saying, be not afraid, grab some courage. This word is always predicated on the fact that he is present. When the disciples were in danger of being swamped on the sea, he said it: “Take heart” (ESV). He spoke to a paralyzed man: “Take courage” (NASB). He told a hemorrhaging woman, “Be of good cheer” (ASV). He speaks to us too. ”I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
We may take heart because our courage and peace is found in Christ. When our sins would swamp us, when our transgressions might paralyze us with a fear of divine wrath, when our lives have brought us to moments of desperation, we come to the blessed table, and know that Christ is with us. His body is given to us; his blood is shed for us. He is within us, giving hope of glory instead of fear of damnation (Col 1:27). Take courage: eat. Be of good cheer: drink. Have peace—the transcending peace of Christ (Phil 4:7).
Prayer: Give me your peace, Lord, through faith in your presence. Amen.
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A Latin phrase meaning “Scripture Alone,” Sola Scriptura is one of the traditional Lutheran slogans used since the time of the Reformation. It expresses our confession that Scripture is “the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” Using the familiar phrase as its title, Sola Scriptura is a new, advanced-level Bible Study in a two-part series, of six chapters each, on the functional authority of Scripture. For those who would like to cover the topic in detail, there is enough material to cover one chapter in two sessions, making each part a 12-week study.
• Part 1 • Leader's Guide • Part 2 • Leader's Guide
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.
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