Slideshow image

From the Pastor’s Desk:

‘What Does This Mean?’ — A Question for Our Daily Walk

Throughout the year in confirmation, I have been teaching the Small Catechism.  We read in unison Luther’s explanations.  Quickly, you can see a pattern, he asked the same question again and again: “What does this mean?” It appears after each part of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments. Luther wasn’t trying to be repetitive—he was being pastoral. That simple question invites us to reflect deeply, to consider not just what we believe, but why it matters and how it shapes the way we live.  This may be good for us to ask this question, not just during confirmation but throughout our life.

For the reality is that in today’s fast-paced world, we often move from one thing to the next without pausing to reflect. We hear news, form opinions, scroll through information—and rarely stop to ask, What does this mean for me? For my neighbor? For my faith? Luther’s question reminds us that God’s Word is not just something to know; it’s something to live.

One of the most powerful examples of this comes from the words of Jesus in Luke 10:26. When a lawyer asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus replies, ‘What is written in the Law? How do you read it?’  In essence, Jesus is asking, ‘What does this mean?’  He is not just checking for knowledge—He’s inviting reflection, interpretation, and application.

This is the heart of discipleship. It’s not just about memorizing truths (though that has value!) but about letting those truths take root in our hearts and show up in our lives. When we ask, ’What does this mean?’ in our daily walk with Christ, we are seeking to connect our beliefs with our behavior, our theology with our relationships.

Here are a few everyday examples of how this question can guide us:

When you hear, ‘You shall not bear false witness’ — What does this mean? It might remind us to speak kindly about others, resist gossip, or choose honesty, even when it’s hard.
When you pray, ‘Give us this day our daily bread’ — What does this mean? It may prompt gratitude for what you have and awareness of those who are in need.
When you hear, ‘I believe in the forgiveness of sins’ — What does this mean? It may call you to forgive someone else, or to finally accept the grace God is freely giving you.

The beauty of this question is that it opens the door for the Holy Spirit to work. It invites us to sit with God’s Word, not just as hearers, but as doers. It draws us closer to Jesus—not just knowing about Him, but walking with Him.

So the next time you open your Bible, hear a sermon, or even encounter a challenging moment in your day, take a breath and ask: ‘What does this mean?’  You may be surprised by how God answers.