April 15, 2023

This Jesus God Raised Up

Katherine Willis Pershey | Read 1 Peter 1:3-9

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

April 10–16, 2023

Scripture Overview

Psalm 16 and Acts 2 fit together, since the latter quotes the former. Both celebrate God’s presence in human life and the powerful expression of that presence. In his Pentecost sermon Peter sees a messianic application of the psalm to the resurrection of Jesus. First Peter affirms that resurrection creates community, stressing the faith and love of Christians that arise without the experience of physical contact with Jesus. For later generations, belief and commitment are born out of the witness of others.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 2:14a, 22-32. How should the reader (or preacher) acknowledge Peter’s troubling language of blame toward the Israelites without losing the point of the passage?
Read Psalm 16. In what way does God provide protection and refuge for you?
Read John 20:19-31. What does it mean for Jesus to bless “those who have not seen and yet have come to believe?”
Read 1 Peter 1:3-9. How do Peter’s words speak to Chris- tians who do not live with the threat of persecution?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Thomas sees and believes. The author addresses this letter to Christians who have not seen and yet believe. These believers find themselves in crisis; their acceptance of Christ makes them exiles. They have received the gift of salvation only to be faced with unthinkable persecution.

How can this reminder of...

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O God of living hope, no matter our circumstances, we rejoice with indescribable and glorious joy. Amen.

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