Revised Common Lectionary readings: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10
The theme of our Acts reading is community: this is what it means to be the body of Christ, this is what it means to be part of God’s family–or, in connecting with the other three scriptures, this is what it means to be part of the flock. This is perhaps one of my favorite passages in Scripture because it tells of how the people responded when they heard the Good News. In the preceding passage, the Jews gathered in Jerusalem for the Pentecost feast have heard Peter and the other disciples proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. They have experienced the Holy Spirit among them, and it says in vs. 41 that about three thousand people were baptized and added to the followers of Jesus–probably the greatest single-day growth of any church, ever!
But it is how the people responded that has always caught me off guard. Immediately there were no conflicts or confusion about leadership and governance in the new fellowship of believers, but rather they began practicing the Christian faith as modeled by Jesus: they devoted themselves to teaching (just as the disciples had listened to Jesus’ teachings), they shared in fellowship, they broke bread together (they ate communal meals) and they prayed together. People were in awe of these new believers and longed to be part of them–there were wonders and signs performed, but these signs and wonders were accompanied by a practice of faith–the people who believed in Jesus were gathered together, and they shared all they had in common with each other–the practice of private ownership was not part of the early Christian faith (see chapter 5 for an example of what happened to those who held back from the common fellowship). They sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to those who were in need. They still went to the temple, as they were Jewish followers of Jesus, and when they were at home they were in fellowship, eating together and praising God. And it tells us that in verse 46 that they had the goodwill of all the people, and day by day people were joining this fellowship.
Imagine if we actually lived out the Christian community modeled in Acts? Imagine if we actually witnessed by what we do and how we lived rather than just our words? In those early days, while there was some persecution, among the general public the early Christians were well-received because their community was modeled after Christ’s way. Yet we must remember that just a few chapters later this same well-lived and well-loved community faced persecution because too many were drawing away from the synagogues into their worship life.
Living the Christian faith is not easy. People say that if Christians only practiced what they preached, people would be flocking into churches. Yet at the same time, we know that when Christians truly practice what they preach, they can face rejection and even persecution because they don’t fit into the mold of the world. When churches claim to welcome everyone in the name of Jesus and then actually do welcome everyone–they often face judgment, ridicule, and even claims that they are not truly Christian. Yet most churches claim to have an open door and welcome everyone–even some of the most fundamentalist churches I have seen still send out a general invitation to worship–but the unwritten rules of welcome make sure that some know they are not welcome, that some will be rejected upon entering. When we actually practice what we preach, we face many challenges even among our fellow Christians. To say we welcome everyone and then gladly sit next to someone who has not showered in a while is another story. To say we welcome everyone and then to listen to children talking, laughing and giggling during a sermon can be a challenge (though I must say, in all my years of ministry, I’ve heard many more distractions from adults than I ever have from children. Usually the loudest adults are the ones trying to shush the children that I couldn’t hear anyway). To say we welcome everyone and then know that a convicted felon is sitting in our congregation is a struggle. But when we look at the early church, I can’t imagine they turned anyone away. All people, all men and women and children, were welcomed in that early church.
The Gospel lesson from John reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We only read the first 10 verses here, but the passage continues beyond to remind us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the one who lays down his life for his sheep. Jesus tells this metaphor or parable (some scholars debate whether this is a parable or not–if it is, it’s the only one in John). Jesus shares with us that we know Jesus’ voice, we know he is the Good Shepherd because he lays down his life, and that he himself is the gate. We must remember that in this time, there were others that claimed to be the Messiah or at least hinted at it. Many wanted a violent revolution to overthrow the Roman rule. Jesus came in the way of peace, a way that would lead to life through dying on the cross. A way that was not easy, but required a nonviolent response to the violence of the world–he knew he would die if he did not fight, but he did not come with swords and war horses, but on a donkey with palm branches waved in front. Others may come and try to lead us, others may come and claim to be sent by God, but we know the voice of Jesus. We know the way that Jesus leads. The Good Shepherd lays down his life. The Good Shepherd comes not armed with swords but speaks the words of peace, love and life.
We know the Good Shepherd from a long, long time ago, that same shepherd that leads us through the valley of the shadow in Psalm 23. We know that we will fear no evil for the Good Shepherd is with us, his rod and staff comfort us. The Good Shepherd leads us to still waters and green pastures. The Good Shepherd leads us to the way of life, even in the valley of the shadow of death, for the Good Shepherd is the gateway to life.
The passage from 1 Peter is sort of a lectionary cut and paste for today–we don’t read verse 18 about how slaves should accept the authority of their masters, because we don’t believe in slavery anymore, but we shouldn’t ignore the implications of that verse in our Bible, and it serves as a reminder of how the Bible has been misused to keep people oppressed for the pleasure and profit of the elite. In the same manner, chapter 3 that follows has been used to subject women to discrimination and abuse over the years. Our Lectionary tries to provide readings that are relevant for today, but in the same manner we skip over some of the texts that have been abused, and we need to acknowledge the fact that they are there, they are in our Bibles, and that we as Christians have had a tendency over the years to misuse certain passages in the Bible and that we should always remember and keep that in mind. The passage cut for today, while reminding us of Christ as the good shepherd, that we have returned to Christ, still can seem to support the idea of suffering just because Christ suffered.
I do believe the whole Bible has value and can teach us, especially about how we ought to live today, but I also think there are passages that serve to remind us of our past and that we have changed and grown as a people, just as the people of God have continually changed and grown throughout the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. This passage does serve as a reminder that there is unjust suffering in the world, but it is a danger to support it theologically. I do not believe the passage from John’s Gospel nor does the book of Acts support such suffering to gain God’s approval–rather suffering is the result of evil and sin in the world. The passage from 1 Peter can be dangerously twisted to support suffering in unjust situations because Christ did it.
Rather, we must understand vs. 22 and 23, that the example of Jesus is to not act out in violence against violence. We are called not to sin in our standing up against violence. We remember the teachings of Jesus: turn the other cheek; give one who is suing you for your coat your cloak as well; walk the extra mile (Matthew 5:38-45). This is not a passive resistance, but an active, nonviolent resistance against evil in the world, modeled well in the 20th century by Gandhi, Rosa Parks, and Martin Lutehr King, Jr., among many others. So 1 Peter 2:19-25 does have merit, as long as we are careful in its reading, to remember that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the one who leads us in the ways of peace. In light of recent events in our world, it is important for us as Christians to remember that there is another way to resist evil, a way that we are called to live with our whole lives, a way that Christ modeled for us.
Call to Worship (from Psalm 29:11, 34:14; Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18)
Leader: May the Lord give strength to the people!
People: May the Lord bless the people with peace!
Leader: Depart from evil, and do good;
People: Seek peace, and pursue it!
Leader: Blessed are the peacemakers,
People: For they will be called children of God.
Leader: If it is possible, so far as it depends on you,
People: Live in peace with all.
Leader: Let us be guided by the Prince of Peace;
People: Come, let us worship our God.
Prayer of Confession:
Gentle Shepherd, You guide us in right paths, You lead us in the ways of righteousness, but we have allowed our anger, our rage, our greed, and at times even hate, to direct our paths. We have overreacted, we have taken more than our share, we have despised others that seem to have it all. Forgive us, God, for not following Your ways. Forgive us for not remembering that we are Your sheep, and You are our Shepherd. Forgive us when we have not listened for Your voice and instead have acted in the ways of the world. Guide us back to Your path, to loving You and loving our neighbors. Help us to unclench our fists and lend out our hands in hope and healing, forgiveness and love. In the name of Christ our Shepherd we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon:
The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The Good Shepherd knows the sheep, and the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep so that the sheep may live. We are part of the flock, we are part of Christ’s body. In Christ we find wholeness and restoration. Go forth and share this Good News. Amen.
Prayer:
Shepherd of our lives, Guide us to the still waters. Lead us on the right paths. Walk beside us when we go through our darkest valleys. Help us to know Your Comforting Presence is always with us. We know that in You there is nothing to be afraid of, so help us to stand for love, peace and justice. We know that You prepare the table before us, that You care for us, that We are Your sheep forever. Help us in this world to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with You; and wherever we may go, may we follow Your path. In the name of Christ, the Good Shepherd, we pray. Amen.
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