Johann Bugenhagen: A Pastor's Pastor
Bugenhagen took his role as pastor very seriously. He often comforted Luther when the latter was depressed or despondent. At times he found it necessary to evangelically scold the reformer, as when he reminded the reformer of God's grace; "Our God in heaven undoubtedly thinks, 'What more can I do for this man? I have given him so many splendid talents and still he despairs of my grace.'"
When Luther suffered from an attack of gallstones in March 1537, he thought he would certainly die. He made confession to Bugenhagen and received absolution. Luther also told Bugenhagen his last will and testament and made funeral arrangements during this crisis. Fortunately, Luther pulled through and these preparations did not have to be put into effect.
Bugenhagen was notorious for his lengthy sermons. Though Luther protested against being made a sacrifice to his pastor''s homiletic ardor and endurance, Luther valued the simplicity of his pastor's sermons. As to the quality, Luther wrote in answer to a complaint about the preaching inadequacies of another pastor, "I cannot always send you a Luther or a Bugenhagen." Bugenhagen himself was modest about his preaching efforts: "It is possible to still hunger by means of water and bread. When Luther preaches you are served food roasted and fried. When I preach you get water and bread."
In 1545, Luther threatened to leave Wittenberg. The university asked Bugenhagen to gather a group to go to Luther and negotiate Luther's return to Wittenberg, sure testimony to the friendship and respect between these two men.
Luther did return to Wittenberg and Bugenhagen was instrumental in the reformer's return to the city. Though we don't know what Bugenhagen said to his friend, no doubt Luther was reminded of God's grace and God's patience. Bugenhagen also quite possibly reminded Luther of Luthers own phrase, simul iustis et peccator - we are at the same time saints and sinners.
In Luther's many absences from Wittenberg, it was Bugenhagen who looked after the family affairs. In a letter dated July 26, 1540, Luther wrote on the outside addressed to his wife, "If she is absent, the Doctor Pomer, the pastor, is to break [the seal] and read [the letter]." Of course it is interesting to note that the first line in this letter asks Katie to have a good glass of beer waiting. Luther was not intimidated that his pastor might read that line. During the Smalkaldic War, Katie was in the company of
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