Peter and John got themselves arrested when they healed the paralytic (Acts 3) and preached to the people about the forgiveness of sins. It seems the religious establishment was not fond of this message.
Funny. Same thing happened to Jesus when He healed a lame man and preached the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 9).
Showing posts with label Gospels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gospels. Show all posts
Friday, April 13, 2018
Saturday, January 06, 2018
Jesus and Paul
Jesus tells us (in Luke 24) that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name. Luke's gospel tells us about Christ's death and resurrection. Luke's sequel [Acts] tells us about the preaching part.
As we read through Acts, we see many similarities in stories between Jesus and Paul. They were both opposed by the Jews. They both did miracles. They both traveled around, preaching and forgiving sin, beginning in the synagogue. They were both arrested when innocent. But Paul does not die. (Well, yes, he died. Eventually. But that's not recorded in Acts.)
And that's because only Christ's death counts for our salvation.
As we read through Acts, we see many similarities in stories between Jesus and Paul. They were both opposed by the Jews. They both did miracles. They both traveled around, preaching and forgiving sin, beginning in the synagogue. They were both arrested when innocent. But Paul does not die. (Well, yes, he died. Eventually. But that's not recorded in Acts.)
And that's because only Christ's death counts for our salvation.
Friday, July 22, 2016
Never Taken Away
Sermon on Wednesday night was about the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10). Pastor mentioned that many American Christians are afraid these days. What if our church is taken from us? What if persecution or martyrdom comes to our country as it has come to other nations? What if the Church has to hide? Will we still have God's word in a decade, or even just a few years?
Jesus' promise to Mary and Martha was that Mary had chosen to listen to God's word and "that will not be taken away from her." This is a promise to us too, who cherish God's word and beg that we not lose His word and Spirit. How will the Lord preserve His word and ensure that it is not taken from us? We don't know. But the promise remains true.
Jesus' promise to Mary and Martha was that Mary had chosen to listen to God's word and "that will not be taken away from her." This is a promise to us too, who cherish God's word and beg that we not lose His word and Spirit. How will the Lord preserve His word and ensure that it is not taken from us? We don't know. But the promise remains true.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Getting Cleansed
Jesus went around getting unclean. He touched lepers when He healed them. He touched dead people when He raised them.
Remember all those rituals in the Old Testament for cleansing and purification? Remember when Jesus told the ten lepers to go show themselves to the priests? But Jesus didn't do that Himself. When He got Himself unclean, He didn't scurry off to the priests and offer the sacrifices to get Himself clean again.
His cleansing was at the cross.
He offered the sacrifices for purification when He sacrificed Himself and shed His blood to remedy all our uncleanness.
Remember all those rituals in the Old Testament for cleansing and purification? Remember when Jesus told the ten lepers to go show themselves to the priests? But Jesus didn't do that Himself. When He got Himself unclean, He didn't scurry off to the priests and offer the sacrifices to get Himself clean again.
His cleansing was at the cross.
He offered the sacrifices for purification when He sacrificed Himself and shed His blood to remedy all our uncleanness.
Wednesday, June 08, 2016
Temptation of Jesus
1. Interesting that it was the Holy Spirit who sent Jesus out to be tempted by the devil. We pray, "Lead us not into temptation." But the Spirit sent Jesus to be tempted. That's why we can pray in the Great Litany: "By Your baptism, fasting, and temptation, help us, good Lord."
2. The devil says, "IF You are the Son of God, ..." This incident follows immediately on the heels of Jesus' baptism. And what had the Father declared there? "This is My beloved Son." As soon as God declares Jesus to be the Son of God, the devil comes in with "If." And yet, Jesus doesn't question the Father's declaration. He holds onto it.
3. The devil quotes the psalm where the Lord promises that His angels will guard us and bear us up. He uses that as the rationale for Jesus to jump off the temple: "See? They'll protect You." Of course, Jesus doesn't. But ain't it nifty to see that, as soon as the devil backs off, the angels do come and minister to Jesus? Even though the devil twisted and perverted that promise, God still kept His word.
2. The devil says, "IF You are the Son of God, ..." This incident follows immediately on the heels of Jesus' baptism. And what had the Father declared there? "This is My beloved Son." As soon as God declares Jesus to be the Son of God, the devil comes in with "If." And yet, Jesus doesn't question the Father's declaration. He holds onto it.
3. The devil quotes the psalm where the Lord promises that His angels will guard us and bear us up. He uses that as the rationale for Jesus to jump off the temple: "See? They'll protect You." Of course, Jesus doesn't. But ain't it nifty to see that, as soon as the devil backs off, the angels do come and minister to Jesus? Even though the devil twisted and perverted that promise, God still kept His word.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Rebuking Unbelief
Mark's Easter account tells us that Jesus "rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart" when He appeared to the disciples-in-hiding in the upper room that Sunday.
We think rebuke and imagine a scolding, a wagging finger, and a hefty dose of "Shame on you for not believing those who had reported My resurrection!"
But what do the other gospel accounts tell us? There is not a shred of scolding anywhere. The way Jesus "rebuked their unbelief" was to forgive them. To speak "Peace to you." To show them that He who had died was now alive. To expound to them what the Old Testament scriptures had taught of His suffering and atonement. To restore them to their office of forgiving others.
That is how He rebuked [chased away or beat back] their unbelief.
We think rebuke and imagine a scolding, a wagging finger, and a hefty dose of "Shame on you for not believing those who had reported My resurrection!"
But what do the other gospel accounts tell us? There is not a shred of scolding anywhere. The way Jesus "rebuked their unbelief" was to forgive them. To speak "Peace to you." To show them that He who had died was now alive. To expound to them what the Old Testament scriptures had taught of His suffering and atonement. To restore them to their office of forgiving others.
That is how He rebuked [chased away or beat back] their unbelief.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Bearing Fruits Worthy of Repentance
The tax collectors and soldiers came to John, listening to his preaching, believing his message, and asking, "What shall we do?" The answer for all of them was pretty much, "Do your job honestly, without hurting other people."
Now if you were a taxpayer in Judea at that time, whether you believed in the Lord or not, you would derive some benefit from all these people trusting in the Messiah. These Christians beginning to bear fruits of repentance. Some of the taxpayers would be collecting only the amount they were supposed to collect. Some of the soldiers would be fair and good. Certainly not all of them. And not even these new Christians were sinless. But some of them were indeed transformed (in part) by the Gospel they believed.
So even before Jesus died,
even before He was miraculously healing people,
even before He was preaching,
already there were some temporal blessings breaking in, like the tiniest little foretaste of what was yet to come.
Now if you were a taxpayer in Judea at that time, whether you believed in the Lord or not, you would derive some benefit from all these people trusting in the Messiah. These Christians beginning to bear fruits of repentance. Some of the taxpayers would be collecting only the amount they were supposed to collect. Some of the soldiers would be fair and good. Certainly not all of them. And not even these new Christians were sinless. But some of them were indeed transformed (in part) by the Gospel they believed.
So even before Jesus died,
even before He was miraculously healing people,
even before He was preaching,
already there were some temporal blessings breaking in, like the tiniest little foretaste of what was yet to come.
Sunday, October 04, 2015
Joseph's Decision about Mary's News
Remember when Joseph was thinking about "quietly divorcing" Mary? He pretty much had two choices: a) accuse her of adultery, or b) divorce her and let people think the baby was his while still leaving Mary free to go be with The Other Guy.
If Joseph accused Mary of adultery, she would be stoned. But not just Mary. If she were killed, then her baby would also die. Joseph's compassion (even prior to the message from God) was not only for this woman, but he also was showing compassion to that baby in sparing His life.
If Joseph accused Mary of adultery, she would be stoned. But not just Mary. If she were killed, then her baby would also die. Joseph's compassion (even prior to the message from God) was not only for this woman, but he also was showing compassion to that baby in sparing His life.
Monday, March 30, 2015
"Even If I Have to Die With You ..."
Peter swore up and down that he wouldn't deny Jesus.
Jesus said he would.
From our vantage point, we see the story unfold. We see the courtyard of the high priest and how Peter swore up and down that he didn't know Jesus.
My son pointed out something today I'd never noticed. In the upper room, Peter really meant it. Not only did he have "good intentions," but he began to follow through out at the Garden of Gethsemane. The soldiers arrive. Peter draws his sword and starts to fight. He was going to stick by Jesus, even if he had to die with Him, and fight those enemies.
But Jesus said to put the sword away.
Put the sword away?!
What kind of nonsense is that?!
Dying in a fight is one thing.
That would be protecting yourself, but losing in the end.
But to give up?
To die willingly?
To accept the unfair attack without hitting back?
That's when Peter said, "I'm outta here" and "I do not know this fellow."
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth
the guilt of all men bearing....
O wondrous love!
What hast thou done?
The Father offers up His Son.
The Son content descendeth. [Gerhardt]
Jesus is weird [Isaiah 55:7-9].
Jesus said he would.
From our vantage point, we see the story unfold. We see the courtyard of the high priest and how Peter swore up and down that he didn't know Jesus.
My son pointed out something today I'd never noticed. In the upper room, Peter really meant it. Not only did he have "good intentions," but he began to follow through out at the Garden of Gethsemane. The soldiers arrive. Peter draws his sword and starts to fight. He was going to stick by Jesus, even if he had to die with Him, and fight those enemies.
But Jesus said to put the sword away.
Put the sword away?!
What kind of nonsense is that?!
Dying in a fight is one thing.
That would be protecting yourself, but losing in the end.
But to give up?
To die willingly?
To accept the unfair attack without hitting back?
That's when Peter said, "I'm outta here" and "I do not know this fellow."
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth
the guilt of all men bearing....
O wondrous love!
What hast thou done?
The Father offers up His Son.
The Son content descendeth. [Gerhardt]
Jesus is weird [Isaiah 55:7-9].
Friday, February 20, 2015
Where Was Jesus Baptized?
The Israelites entered the Promised Land when they crossed the Jordan River (Joshua 3). This is not only a historical, geographical fact, it's also a picture/foreshadowing of Christians crossing into heaven after a pilgrimage through the wilderness of life.
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. I always thought that was because [duh] the Jordan River just happened to be the one that was available for John the Baptist. A simple fact of geography and nothing more.
But it IS more. We are joined to Him in His death and resurrection (Romans 6). In His baptism, He takes our sin upon Himself and gives us His righteousness. This is our entry into the promised land. Baptism is when the Father says also to us, "This one is My beloved son."
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River.
A simple fact of geography.
And a big, sweet, beautiful theological truth
of what has been
and of what is yet to come.
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. I always thought that was because [duh] the Jordan River just happened to be the one that was available for John the Baptist. A simple fact of geography and nothing more.
But it IS more. We are joined to Him in His death and resurrection (Romans 6). In His baptism, He takes our sin upon Himself and gives us His righteousness. This is our entry into the promised land. Baptism is when the Father says also to us, "This one is My beloved son."
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River.
A simple fact of geography.
And a big, sweet, beautiful theological truth
of what has been
and of what is yet to come.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Sins and/or Ills
At Lessons and Carols the other night, we sang the LSB version of a Gerhardt Christmas hymn:
It struck me because TLH says,
It's like what Matthew tells us (chapter 8). While Isaiah says, "He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows," Matthew quotes it as "He took up our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
Even though the sicknesses wouldn't be here but for sin,
even though sin is the cause of illness and death,
sometimes it nice to know that Jesus isn't "just" the cure for our sinfulness, but is also the one who bore the brokenness of our bodies, our snotty noses, our achy joints, our headaches, our mental shortcomings, and our physical weakness. And because He took those infirmities to the cross, that gives us a cure. The cure.
"From all ills that grieve you
you are freed.
All you need
I will surely give you."
Children, from the sins that grieve you,
you are freed.
It struck me because TLH says,
Brethren, from all ills that grieve you,
you are freed.
It's like what Matthew tells us (chapter 8). While Isaiah says, "He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows," Matthew quotes it as "He took up our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
Even though the sicknesses wouldn't be here but for sin,
even though sin is the cause of illness and death,
sometimes it nice to know that Jesus isn't "just" the cure for our sinfulness, but is also the one who bore the brokenness of our bodies, our snotty noses, our achy joints, our headaches, our mental shortcomings, and our physical weakness. And because He took those infirmities to the cross, that gives us a cure. The cure.
"From all ills that grieve you
you are freed.
All you need
I will surely give you."
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
They Slumbered and Slept
Interesting what we find back-to-back in Matthew.
Chapter 25 -- the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. They slept. They were supposed to watch for the coming of the Bridegroom. But they couldn't.
Chapter 26 -- the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter, James, and John were told to watch and pray. But they couldn't. Instead, they slumbered.
Chapter 25 -- the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. They slept. They were supposed to watch for the coming of the Bridegroom. But they couldn't.
Chapter 26 -- the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter, James, and John were told to watch and pray. But they couldn't. Instead, they slumbered.
Monday, December 15, 2014
The Malefactors Crucified with Jesus
It's Luke that tells about the two criminals crucified with Jesus (23:39-43). Luke -- who was connected to the apostle Paul.
Paul -- who blasphemed at the cross. Paul -- who scoffed at Jesus' prayer for those who were putting Him to death.
Paul -- who came to believe that he deserved torture and death for his sin. Paul -- who learned to beg for Jesus' mercy.
No wonder the story is in Luke. That story of the two criminals probably really resonated with Paul.
Paul -- who blasphemed at the cross. Paul -- who scoffed at Jesus' prayer for those who were putting Him to death.
Paul -- who came to believe that he deserved torture and death for his sin. Paul -- who learned to beg for Jesus' mercy.
No wonder the story is in Luke. That story of the two criminals probably really resonated with Paul.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
A Divorce for Mary and Joseph
Should he divorce her?
Or should he go through with the marriage?
I heard it again! Many people think that Joseph was trying to decide whether to divorce Mary or stick with her.
No. From his point of view, she had been unfaithful to him. She was carrying another man's baby. She obviously wanted to be with that other guy. He could let her marry the baby's father, let her go, divorce her.
His choice wasn't so much between marriage and divorce. His choice was more between a quiet, legal divorce or calling her out for her adultery, having her stoned. Being a just man, a man who believed in mercy, a man who offered forgiveness, he did not want her killed for her adulterous affair. He would spare her life, even if it meant that his own character would be besmirched as one who didn't wait long enough after the wedding ceremony for the coming-together night.
The angel came to Joseph in a dream.
Two thousand years earlier, another Joseph dreamed. That Joseph had an experience where an accusation of adultery was made against an innocent person. Both the angel and the Bible story corroborated Mary's story. That's when StayingMarried became an option for Joseph.
Or should he go through with the marriage?
I heard it again! Many people think that Joseph was trying to decide whether to divorce Mary or stick with her.
No. From his point of view, she had been unfaithful to him. She was carrying another man's baby. She obviously wanted to be with that other guy. He could let her marry the baby's father, let her go, divorce her.
His choice wasn't so much between marriage and divorce. His choice was more between a quiet, legal divorce or calling her out for her adultery, having her stoned. Being a just man, a man who believed in mercy, a man who offered forgiveness, he did not want her killed for her adulterous affair. He would spare her life, even if it meant that his own character would be besmirched as one who didn't wait long enough after the wedding ceremony for the coming-together night.
The angel came to Joseph in a dream.
Two thousand years earlier, another Joseph dreamed. That Joseph had an experience where an accusation of adultery was made against an innocent person. Both the angel and the Bible story corroborated Mary's story. That's when StayingMarried became an option for Joseph.
Friday, December 12, 2014
But Didn't They Ask the Same Question?
Zachariah to Gabriel: "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."
Mary to Gabriel: "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
Every year, the same question comes up. How come Zechariah gets in trouble for saying the same thing Mary said? It's often been said that Zechariah's question came from unbelief and doubt, whereas Mary responded in faith. But where did we get that idea, anyway?
Well, the story does tell us, point-blank --
The faith of the heart. Luke 1:20 tells us that Zechariah "did not believe." Verse 38 says that Mary responded in faith: "according to your word."
More about the difference --
Zachariah was in the temple, confessing sins and praying for the Messiah. An angel comes from the Lord and announces that the Lord has heard Zechariah's prayer. Even though he was right smackdab in the middle of praying for the things the angel announced, still Zachariah said "no" when he heard the message.
According to church tradition, Mary was going about her daily chores when the angel came to her.
Also, notice there is a difference in the questions --
Zachariah asks, "How shall I know?" while Mary asks, "How can this be?" Those may sound like the same question to us. But the answer to Zechariah's question is, "Uh, excuse me. I'm an angel. I've been sent by the Lord. And I just TOLD you, for pity's sake. And what I told you was from the prophet Malachi. That's how you shall know. And besides, good golly, don't you remember the stories in the Scriptures where an old man and a barren woman had a baby? This has happened before, you know."
Mary on the other hand doesn't ask how to know. She asks how this can be. She needs to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1). "You're going to have a baby." "But I haven't known a man." The angel proceeds to explain that the child will be conceived by the Holy Spirit. And Mary concludes that this angel speaks in harmony with Isaiah's prophecy.
Furthermore, Mary leaves Nazareth and heads to Elizabeth's place. And what does she find? Elizabeth is pregnant. Just as the angel said. Hmmm -- this sounds like a pretty reliable messenger. She hangs around three more months. Baby arrives. Hmmm -- it's a boy. Just as Gabriel had told her. This angel agrees with scripture, and what he says comes to pass.
So let's have no more of this, "But they said the same thing. Why is one punished for it and the other is not?"
Mary to Gabriel: "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
Every year, the same question comes up. How come Zechariah gets in trouble for saying the same thing Mary said? It's often been said that Zechariah's question came from unbelief and doubt, whereas Mary responded in faith. But where did we get that idea, anyway?
Well, the story does tell us, point-blank --
The faith of the heart. Luke 1:20 tells us that Zechariah "did not believe." Verse 38 says that Mary responded in faith: "according to your word."
More about the difference --
Zachariah was in the temple, confessing sins and praying for the Messiah. An angel comes from the Lord and announces that the Lord has heard Zechariah's prayer. Even though he was right smackdab in the middle of praying for the things the angel announced, still Zachariah said "no" when he heard the message.
According to church tradition, Mary was going about her daily chores when the angel came to her.
Also, notice there is a difference in the questions --
Zachariah asks, "How shall I know?" while Mary asks, "How can this be?" Those may sound like the same question to us. But the answer to Zechariah's question is, "Uh, excuse me. I'm an angel. I've been sent by the Lord. And I just TOLD you, for pity's sake. And what I told you was from the prophet Malachi. That's how you shall know. And besides, good golly, don't you remember the stories in the Scriptures where an old man and a barren woman had a baby? This has happened before, you know."
Mary on the other hand doesn't ask how to know. She asks how this can be. She needs to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1). "You're going to have a baby." "But I haven't known a man." The angel proceeds to explain that the child will be conceived by the Holy Spirit. And Mary concludes that this angel speaks in harmony with Isaiah's prophecy.
Furthermore, Mary leaves Nazareth and heads to Elizabeth's place. And what does she find? Elizabeth is pregnant. Just as the angel said. Hmmm -- this sounds like a pretty reliable messenger. She hangs around three more months. Baby arrives. Hmmm -- it's a boy. Just as Gabriel had told her. This angel agrees with scripture, and what he says comes to pass.
So let's have no more of this, "But they said the same thing. Why is one punished for it and the other is not?"
Thursday, December 11, 2014
How's My Faith-Walk Coming Along?
In the story of the Emmaus disciples (Luke 24), the disciples are listening to Jesus preach to them all that the Old Testament taught about the Messiah. When He blessed and broke and gave them the bread, they realized this fellow was Jesus. And He disappeared from sight. Then they said, "Whoa. Hey! Yeah. Our heart burned within us as He taught us!" And they skeedaddled back to Jerusalem to tell the others.
Did you notice? When they were listening to Jesus, their eyes and ears and minds and hearts were captivated by HIM. They weren't evaluating their feelings. They weren't thinking about their faith. They paid no attention whatsoever to their response to His preaching ...
because all they cared about was Him.
Did you notice? When they were listening to Jesus, their eyes and ears and minds and hearts were captivated by HIM. They weren't evaluating their feelings. They weren't thinking about their faith. They paid no attention whatsoever to their response to His preaching ...
because all they cared about was Him.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Thyself to Scorn Didst Offer
A few weeks ago we heard the parable (Matt 21) about the vine-dressers who beat up the land-owner's servants. Then they killed his son.
Then we heard (Matt 22) about the people who were invited to the wedding-feast of the king's son and responded with, "Phhhtttthhhbbbbppp! We've got better things to do."
We also heard about Pharisees and scribes and Sadducees trying to entrap Jesus (Matt 22).
If we keep reading through the passion (Matt 26-27 or Psalm 22) we'd see a lot more scorn and mocking -- from the church leaders, from the soldiers, from the people. Even from the disciples.
Every single sin we commit =
unbelief =
disobedience =
scorning Jesus.
Lamb of God, pure and holy,
who on the cross didst suffer,
ever patient and lowly,
Thyself to scorn didst offer.
All sins Thou borest for us,
else had despair reigned o'er us.
Have mercy on us, O Jesus.
Then we heard (Matt 22) about the people who were invited to the wedding-feast of the king's son and responded with, "Phhhtttthhhbbbbppp! We've got better things to do."
We also heard about Pharisees and scribes and Sadducees trying to entrap Jesus (Matt 22).
If we keep reading through the passion (Matt 26-27 or Psalm 22) we'd see a lot more scorn and mocking -- from the church leaders, from the soldiers, from the people. Even from the disciples.
Every single sin we commit =
unbelief =
disobedience =
scorning Jesus.
Lamb of God, pure and holy,
who on the cross didst suffer,
ever patient and lowly,
Thyself to scorn didst offer.
All sins Thou borest for us,
else had despair reigned o'er us.
Have mercy on us, O Jesus.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Here a Slave, There a Slave, Everwhere a Slave
Romans 6: You're either a slave of sin or a slave of righteousness. A slave of uncleanness or a slave of holiness. A slave of death & sin or a slave of God.
Slaves of sin are "free in regard to righteousness." Free, huh? What kind of freedom is that?
Matthew 11: Jesus invites us to Him for rest. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." So in a way, there's still a yoke, still a burden. Just as Paul said: "slaves of God." But one slavery is easy.
Slaves of sin are "free in regard to righteousness." Free, huh? What kind of freedom is that?
Matthew 11: Jesus invites us to Him for rest. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." So in a way, there's still a yoke, still a burden. Just as Paul said: "slaves of God." But one slavery is easy.
Sunday, October 05, 2014
He Remembered the Word of the Lord
Jesus said Peter would deny Him. Peter said, "No way. Ain't gonna happen. I'll stick by You, even if it means prison or dying." That's when Jesus told Peter, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times" (Luke 22:34).
Hours later, when Peter had --sure enough-- denied Jesus three times, the rooster crowed. And then Peter remembered the word of the Lord (verse 61).
I always thought that verse meant Peter remembered the prediction of his failing.
And only that.
Pastor pointed out in class this week that there was more to the conversation: look back at verse 32. Jesus had also said, "I have prayed for you." That's no small thing, no impotent thing, that Jesus prayed for Peter.
Jesus had also said, "When you have returned to Me." In other words, Peter would indeed be restored. He would be forgiven. He would be brought to repentance and placed back in the office of apostle. "When you have returned to Me."
When Peter "remembered the word of the Lord," there was also a word of faithfulness from Jesus mixed in with the statement of Peter's unfaithfulness. It is God who gives faith, works faith, and sustains faith. "The God of peace Himself will sanctify you wholly and keep your spirit, soul, and body sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who called you is faithful, and He will do it."
Hours later, when Peter had --sure enough-- denied Jesus three times, the rooster crowed. And then Peter remembered the word of the Lord (verse 61).
I always thought that verse meant Peter remembered the prediction of his failing.
And only that.
Pastor pointed out in class this week that there was more to the conversation: look back at verse 32. Jesus had also said, "I have prayed for you." That's no small thing, no impotent thing, that Jesus prayed for Peter.
Jesus had also said, "When you have returned to Me." In other words, Peter would indeed be restored. He would be forgiven. He would be brought to repentance and placed back in the office of apostle. "When you have returned to Me."
When Peter "remembered the word of the Lord," there was also a word of faithfulness from Jesus mixed in with the statement of Peter's unfaithfulness. It is God who gives faith, works faith, and sustains faith. "The God of peace Himself will sanctify you wholly and keep your spirit, soul, and body sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who called you is faithful, and He will do it."
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Truly the Son of God
When Jesus called the storm, rescuing the disciples whose boat was overwhelmed (Matt 14), they responded, "Truly You are the Son of God."
Not long afterward (Matt 16), when Jesus asked them about the rumors of who He was, Peter said, "You are the Son of the living God." This wasn't something Peter said on His own. It was something the Lord revealed to him, as well as something the others said in the boat on that stormy night.
And it was the same thing said by the centurion (Matt 27) on that stormy Friday afternoon.
Not long afterward (Matt 16), when Jesus asked them about the rumors of who He was, Peter said, "You are the Son of the living God." This wasn't something Peter said on His own. It was something the Lord revealed to him, as well as something the others said in the boat on that stormy night.
And it was the same thing said by the centurion (Matt 27) on that stormy Friday afternoon.
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