May 5, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for May 5th: Acts 9: 1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19; Theme: Jesus charge to Peter and to us John : After the resurrection, Jesus makes a point to come to his disciples to encourage them to move forward. This is the third resurrection story, when Jesus appears to the disciples. It is interesting that Jesus comes to talk and teach over a meal. They have been fishing all day, Jesus fishes with them, tells them where to catch a lot of fish, and then sits down to eat with them. Peter has been at the trial, at the crucifixion, at the cave after the resurrection, even in the upper room with Thomas. He is looking forward to getting back to his life. But after this encounter with Jesus, things will never be the same. No longer will be fish for fish, but for men. Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. (He sure doesn’t act like it). Then Jesus makes Peter Bishop of the church. Actually he tells Peter to feed his sheep – to be the shepherd of the church. Peter takes on this role, even accepting his impending death. How much do any of us Love and follow Jesus? Acts: Luke goes through great trouble to introduce the enemy of the church. The person who has made it his mission to destroy the church, and to kill its members. In the story, Jesus himself appears and confronts this opponent. He stands in the middle of the road and asks him why is he persecuting him and his followers. Who would think that the biggest enemy of the church would become the biggest proponent of the church? Who would think that Saul would become Paul. But we know that all things are possible with God. The people that Saul has been attacking, take care and nurse Saul back to health. Christ has been working with all parties, with the heart of Saul, but also the heart of the followers. Christ tells them to not worry about anything, but to just take care of Paul. The love that saved Peter, also saved Paul. It is the love that saves us all. God has a way to make all things fall into place. If this love can transform a hater into a supporter, imagine what it can do for us. Questions: Put yourself in Peter’s position, how would you have answered Jesus? How would you have acted if you were Paul? What does feed my sheep mean?