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Insights
The
film, Luther, is more than a historical
presentation of the life of Martin Luther and his role
in the Reformation. This film vividly portrays the
spiritual growth of an individual. As the Spirit
of Christ grows within Luther, he comes into increasing
conflict with the religious hierarchy of his day.
This is no less true for him than it was for Jesus Christ.
Religion vs. Relationship is at the heart of this movie.
There
are many metaphors used in the Scriptures to describe
the relationship between God and His children; such
as, Potter/Clay, Shepherd/Sheep, Master/Servant,
Father/Child, Friend/Friend, Bridegroom/Bride. It
is interesting to note that in an ascending order, these
metaphors are pictures of spiritual growth. Seen
in the film, Luther passes through each stage, growing
in the freedom that is found in Christ. As he
does, it is the religious system that seeks to destroy
the Christ in him
Potter/Clay
Luther:
The opening scene - The Potter making a vessel of clay
out of water, earth, wind, and fire.
Religion: Ordination
- Luther's response to his encounter with God is,
"I'll become a monk."
Shepherd/Sheep
Luther:
Fear - a Shepherd tells him to bind himself to Christ.
"I am yours, save me." (Psalm
23)
Religion:
Indoctrination - The steps in Rome; sheep with no
Shepherd.
Master/Servant
Luther:
Sermons and
teaching in Wittenberg - The servant boldly proclaims
the Gospel and the God he has come to know.
Religion:
Confrontation - Johan Tetzel and the selling of
indulgences - The people are sold into slavery to a
harsh master.
Father/Child
Luther:
Childlike innocence -
He cannot deny the Gospel for the word of man; he gives
grace to his own father and to the fatherless
child. He is becoming more like his Father in
Heaven.
Religion: Accusation
- The meeting with Cardinal Cajetan - They want only one
word from the naughty child - "recant".
Friend/Friend
Luther:
Excommunicated - He
is led into Worms with the people cheering, "Did
you think there would be no cost"? He is
willing to lay his life down (John
15:12-16).
Religion: Trial -The
doctrines of men vs. the Scriptures and conscience.
Bridegroom/Bride
Luther:
Destiny and release -
He becomes a bridegroom and gives the gift of the New
Testament in German. He knows the God of
Compassion and Truth (Luke
15:11-32).
Religion: Reformation
- The confession of faith triumphs. The
"religious system" is bankrupt and dead.
Conclusion
It
would be unwise to view this movie as an indictment
against Roman Catholicism. It is, however, an
indictment against worldly corrupt religion and the
pride of men, which is always the true enemy of
Christendom and the Spirit of Christ.
Scripture:
Psalm
40:2-4
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