ACTS 3:12-19

THE BACKGROUND

This bible passage is the second half of a fascinating story that begins with verse one of this chapter. On their way to the temple to pray, Peter and John meet a man who was lame since birth.  They heal him in the name of Jesus, and he walks.  The people who were there in the courtyard all rushed up to Peter, John, and the healed man.  Peter explains why and how this happened.  In next week’s reading, they are called before the council and the high priest, just like Jesus was.

THE DETAIL

  • Peter’s speech is similar to the one he gave in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2).  It is an explanation of Jesus’ life, implication of the Israelites in his death, and a call for their repentance.
  • Peter reminds them of their relationship with God by referencing Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their ancestors.  (v. 13)
  • He calls Jesus the “Holy and Righteous One” and the “Author of Life” in verses 14 & 15. Peter was challenging them to change their view of Jesus. He wasn’t a criminal who was crucified.  He was the Righteous One.  Even more than that, he was the Author of Life.  And you killed him.
  • Peter makes it clear that the man’s healing was not Peter and John’s doing, but that the power came from Jesus alone. (v. 16)
  • Peter tells them that he understands that they acted out of ignorance. (v. 17)
  • Then, he delivers the good news.  It was all part of God’s plan.  (v. 18)
  • Now, they have forgiveness if they repent.  (v. 19)

THE TAKEAWAY

Only a few weeks before, Peter denied Jesus out of fear.  Now, with the help of the Holy Spirit, fear is gone.  We, too, have the Holy Spirit to give us courage and the words to proclaim the Good News to those around us.
 

1 JOHN 3:1-7

THE BAKCGROUND

In last week’s second reading, John makes it clear that we are all sinners, and need the forgiveness that comes through believing in Jesus.

Once the God News spread, a wide range of beliefs began to appear.  Their concept of the Trinity was not clearly defined, and opinions were all over the map.  By the time of John’s writing, one group felt that divine knowledge, rather than faith, is what brings us closer to God.  Our actions did not matter, according to this belief; it was spiritual knowledge that mattered. 

THE DETAIL

  • Verse one reminds us that we are God’s children.  This is not only because we are His creation, but because we have been baptized into Christ.
  • Verses 2 talks about a process that theologians call “eschatology”.  I call it the “already, but not quite”.  John says that our spiritual development is an ongoing process that will not be complete until Jesus is revealed at his return.  This is in opposition to those who felt that knowledge was the key.
  • Along this journey, we strive to be pure and sinless, just like Jesus.    (v. 3)
  • The last paragraph makes it clear that we all sin, but those who walk in the light of Jesus strive to be sinless.  (vv.4-6) 
  • Righteousness (right actions or doing the right thing) is an integral part of being a Christian. It cannot be separated from living a spiritual life. (v. 7)

THE TAKEAWAY

We are all works in progress. It is sort of like a mortgage. You put some money down, and you start making payments.  If someone asks you if you own your home, you would answer yes, even though you only own it partially.  It is not until the final payment that you fully own your home.  We Christians are like this mortgage.  We will not be complete until Jesus returns.  In the meantime, we are works in progress.  Being God’s children means that we are totally His. We cannot claim to be His in spirit without demonstrating this in our actions. 

 

LUKE 24:36b-48

THE BACKGROUND

Just prior to today’s reading, we read the “The Road to Emmaus” story (vv. 15-35).  These two disciples walked down from Jerusalem, meeting Jesus along the way. Jesus broke bread with them, their eyes were opened, and he vanished.  They headed back to Jerusalem to tell the others.  Today’s reading picks up where these two are explaining everything to the apostles.  Note: The distance from Emmaus to Jerusalem is about the same as from Tryon to Saluda. The elevation change is also similar. The two disciples did a two to three hour walk back up the mountain after dinner to share the good news with the others.

THE DETAIL

  • The two disciples (one was Cleopas, the other is not named) have just returned from Emmaus, where Jesus revealed himself to them.  They are telling the apostles what had happened, when suddenly Jesus appears. (v. 36b)
  • They thought they had seen a ghost, and were terrified.  (v. 37)
  • Jesus calms them down, and encourages them to put aside their doubts. A reference to Thomas? (v. 38) 
  • He tells them he’s not a ghost, because he has flesh and bones.  Touch me and understand.  (vv. 39-40)
  • To drive the “it’s really me” point home, he asks for something to eat.  Also, since he is truly human, he was probably hungry, right? (vv. 41-43)
  • Now that they are convinced that it is truly he, Jesus teaches.  As he did on the road to Emmaus, he explains how his life was a fulfillment of scripture.  (vv. 44-45)
  • Then, he gives them an assignment.  They are to get out of these locked rooms and spread the word.  (vv. 46-48)

THE TAKEAWAY

Jesus’ resurrection is sometimes hard for us to fathom.  It was no less difficult for his followers.  He responds to their doubts and fears with patience and understanding.  I am thankful that we have these details from the gospel writers to confront our doubts with their experiences.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In Luke’s time, spreading the Good News was not easy.  They could be hauled in, and have to appear to court.  This is what happens to Paul and John after the story from Acts.  They could also receive a lot of ridicule and social isolation in doing so.  Things are not so different today.  The social isolation and ridicule are more subtle, but they are definitely still present. 

How can we effectively share this good news with those around us who need it?  It is what the Lord expects of us.