Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.
Martin LutherRead
The Son of God did not want to be seen and found in heaven. Therefore he descended from heaven into this humility and came to us in our flesh, laid himself into the womb of his mother and into the manger and went on to the cross. This was the ladder that he placed on earth so that we might ascend to God on it. This is the way you must take.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the humility of the Son of God, emphasizing his descent to Earth to connect with humanity and provide a path to divine redemption.
In this quote, Martin Luther elucidates the concept of divine humility exemplified by the Son of God, who chose to abandon the glory of heaven, entering into human existence through birth and ultimately facing crucifixion. He describes this journey as a 'ladder' that allows mankind to reach God, suggesting that through embracing humility and sacrifice, one can find a path to spiritual elevation. Luther's emphasis on the physical, the humble circumstances of Jesus' life, underlines the importance of humility in the human experience and faith.
Themes
HumilitySpiritualityRedemptionSacrificeFaith
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the importance of humility in leadership.
More from Martin Luther
All quotes →Now if I believe in God's Son and remember that He became man, all creatures will appear a hundred times more beautiful to me than before. Then I will properly appreciate the sun, the moon, the stars, trees, apples, as I reflect that he is Lord over all things. ...God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.
Martin LutherRead
It is the part of a Christian to take care of his own body for the very purpose that, by its soundness and wellbeing, he may be enabled to labour, and to acquire and preserve property, for the aid of those who are in want, that thus the stronger member may serve the weaker member, and we may be children of God, and busy for one another, bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfiling the law of Christ.
Martin LutherRead
Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but more frequently than not struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God.
Martin LutherRead
We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands.
Martin LutherRead
In a mouse we admire God's creation and craft work. The same may be said about flies.
Martin LutherRead
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