The Creed
Q25. What is the Second Article of the Creed?
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What are the main events in Jesus' life that the Second Article lists?
- 2
Why does the Creed mention Pontius Pilate by name?
- 3
Which part of what Jesus did stands out to you the most?
Illustration
The Creed does not tell a fairy tale. It names a real Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and real events: birth, suffering, death, burial, resurrection. Jesus did not float above history like a legend. He entered it. He bled in it. He died in it. And he rose from the dead in it. This happened in a specific place, at a specific time, to a specific person, for you.
Application
Read through the Second Article slowly with your family and notice every action word: conceived, born, suffered, crucified, died, buried, descended, rose, ascended, sits, will come. Ask God to help you see that Jesus did all of this for real people, including you.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)