February 6, 1564 - John Calvin Preaches His Last Sermon

John Calvin is one of the most influential preachers and theologians in church history. A central figure in the Protestant Reformation, he delivered his final sermon on February 6, 1564, in Geneva, Switzerland. Calvin, fifty-four and feeble, was carried to the church seated in a chair. Even still, he insisted upon preaching in spite of his declining health. His intense work ethic in pastoral labor, teaching, and writing exacerbated his poor health, which was believed to have been caused by a combination of health complications, leading to his death just three months later. Calvin’s legacy shaped the landscape of Reformed theology, biblical interpretation, and Protestant worship. Above is the auditorium where Calvin preached the majority of his sermons during his ministry in Geneva.

Calvin’s legacy continues to impact Christians today by illustrating a life streaked with hardship yet filled with perseverance and faithfulness to his calling. His passion for preaching despite his physical weakness represents a deep commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, calling Christians to ask themselves how seriously they commit to their own faith and how they steward their gifts in service to the church. Calvin’s example represents leaning on Christ for endurance and shows the way that God works through human weakness. Looking to Calvin, modern Christians can see that the power of the Gospel does not depend on physical strength or competence but on obedience and reliance upon God’s grace.

Photograph sourced from Wikimedia Commons.