ACTS 2:14, 22-32 

THE BACKGROUND 

Jews from many lands were gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish festival called Pentecost or Shavout.  It was a festival of the wheat harvest, as well as a celebration of God’s giving of the law to his people through Moses.  Jesus’ disciples are there, too.  During this gathering, the Holy Spirit chooses to make its dramatic entrance. (You remember—tongues of fire, disciples speaking in foreign languages, etc.)  The non-Christians in the room are confused.  “What’s happening?”  Peter speaks up, and explains.  This is his first sermon.   

DETAILS

  • Peter was so scared during Jesus’ trial that he denied Him three times.  Now, full of the Holy Spirit, he boldly witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Our Lord. (vv. 14a, 22-24)
  • He even accuses the Jews of crucifying Jesus.  “…you crucified and killed…”  That takes courage that only the Holy Spirit can provide.  He explains that this was all part of God’s plan for our salvation.    (v. 23)
  • Verses 25-28 are a quote from Psalm 16:8-11.
  • Verse 30 is based on Psalm 132:11. 
  • Verse 31 is a quote from Psalm 16:10. 
  • The story goes on past verse 32.  I suggest that you read it, so you can see how the story ends.

TAKEAWAY

Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah.  He is foretold in Holy Scripture, in the prayers of King David.  Jesus death on the cross was part of God’s plan for our salvation. The Holy Spirit gave Peter the strength and wisdom to stand up to those who crucified Jesus.  He gives us this same power!
 

We’ll study the gospel lesson second, since this is mentioned in the epistle lesson.

JOHN 20:19-31 

THE BACKGROUND 

This is the familiar “Doubting Thomas” story.  It is Sunday evening.  Jesus had been crucified just the Friday before.  Jesus’ disciples are scared.  They (everyone except for Thomas) are locked up in a room somewhere in Jerusalem.   

THE DETAILS 

  • Miraculously, Jesus appears in their midst.  He says “Shalom”, or “be at peace”.  (v. 19)
  • To remove any doubt or wonder, he shows them his scars, and again says Shalom.  (vv. 20-21) 
  • He gives them the Holy Spirit (v. 22)
  • Then, he gives them the authority to forgive others. Normally, only God can forgive.  (v. 23)
  • Thomas thinks they’re nuts.  He won’t believe, unless he sees (and touches) for himself.  (vv. 24-25)
  • A week later, Jesus reappears.  Thomas sees, touches, and believes. (vv. 26-28)
  • Then, Jesus says something profound.  He says that we, too, are blessed.  We did not have the advantage that Thomas had, yet we believe.  (v. 29) 
  • This is the final story of John’s gospel, but he adds an interesting comment.  He says that Jesus did a lot of other stuff that John is not going to tell you about.  But he selected these stories ”so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah…”  (v. 30)

THE TAKEAWAY(s)

Jesus has every right to be angry with Thomas for his unbelief.  But look how he reacts to Thomas.  He acts calmly and lovingly.  He tells Thomas to “put your finger here… touch… do not doubt, but believe.”  Jesus is loving and patient.  He understands.  When I experience doubt, I take great comfort in this.  Jesus is loving and patient.  He understands.  Doubt is OK. 

We also get an extra blessing from Jesus in the second half of verse 29:  “…Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”  (This would be all of us.) 

John’s final comment tells me why he wrote his gospel.  It wasn’t so much a history as it was to tell us a story to compel us to believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

 

1 PETER 1:3-9 

THE BACKGROUND 

These are the opening remarks of a letter written by Peter to the Christians scattered about Asia Minor.  Many believers were experiencing varying levels of resistance or persecution.  This letter was written to encourage them to remain true to their faith. 

THE DETAILS 

  • It begins with a word of praise to “God the Father, … [who] has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (v. 3)
  • He states that Jesus’ promises are unchanging, no matter what.     (vv. 4-5)
  • He mentions the suffering that these Christians are enduring because of their faith in Jesus.  He adds “for a little while” to suggest that the situation is temporary.  (v. 6)
  • He reminds them that their faith is precious to God, and that they are being tested.  (v. 7)
  • The next verse echoes the Gospel lesson for today, the story of Doubting Thomas. Peter states “Although you have not seen him, you love him…”   (v. 8)
  • Finally, there’s the blessing we get because of our faith.  “…you [we] are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”  (v. 9)

THE TAKEAWAY 

Verse 3 reminds us that we have hope through the resurrection of Jesus.  This is the hope we have of eternal life. 

Verses 8 & 9 remind us that because of our faith, we are saved.  We do not earn eternal life in any other way except by believing in Jesus. It is a free gift from God. Thanks be to God!