ACTS 2:42:47

THE BACKGROUND

The book of Acts is Luke’s sequel to his gospel.  It takes up where his gospel left off.  Jesus ascends into heaven (chapter 1).  Then, the Holy Spirit makes his dramatic entrance, and many come to believe in Jesus (chapter 2).  Starting with the end of chapter 2, we get a glimpse of the activities of the early church. If you ever wondered what it might have been like in those early years, this is your answer.

THE DETAIL

• They “had all things in common … selling possessions, and distributing them to those in need.” This sounds a little like a hippie commune from the ‘60’s, with one big exception.  This was a loving group of Christians, sharing with one another. (vv. 42-46) 
• They spent much time together in the temple.  They broke bread (the Lord’s Supper) at home.  This was because the early church met in homes, as well as in the temples.  Most important of all, they “ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.” (vv. 46-47a)
• The contrast to those around them must have been overwhelming, because many were drawn to Jesus based upon the sincerity of these little groups.  (v. 47b)

THE TAKEAWAY

For these Christians, accepting Jesus as their savior brought about a radical change of lifestyle. It was a life focused on loving others. I doubt that we could we Christians do this today.  The fact remains, however, that believing in Jesus will (or should) make big changes in the way we live our lives.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

How does your belief in Jesus as your savior affect how you live your daily life?  Can others tell that you are a Christian simply by the way you live your life?
 

1 PETER 2:19-25

THE BACKGROUND

In the second chapter of 1 Peter, he is writing to various groups of people—slaves, husbands, wives, etc.  In verse 18 (just prior to today’s reading), it states that the instructions we read about in this passage were for slaves.  Slave ownership was an accepted part of life at this time.  Between a quarter and a third of the population were slaves.  Sometimes, these servant-slaves believed in Jesus, and their masters did not. Sometimes, they suffered for their beliefs.  Since slavery no longer exists in our culture, do we discard this instruction? I don’t think so. To me, it is just as applicable today.

THE DETAIL

• Peter is talking about slaves who have been beaten for their faith.  Presumably, their masters were not Christians.  Peter states that if you’ve been beaten for a just reason, then you got what you deserved.  But if you have suffered for your faith, then you are just like Jesus. Jesus suffered for his obedient dedication to his Father.  These are words of encouragement for those suffering for their faith.  (vv. 19-24)
• We are to remember that Jesus bore our sins by being nailed to the cross.  Before we believed, we were like stray sheep.  Now, we follow Jesus, who cares for our souls.  (v. 25)

THE TAKEAWAY

We all answer to somebody, so this instruction is just as appropriate for us today.  Sometimes, we face a choice between doing the expected thing or by doing the right thing. This choice can pop up in family life and in the workplace.  When we do the right thing, we often endure suffering.  We can find comfort in knowing that Jesus suffered, too.  We should follow his lead, and quietly stand firm in our faith.  
 

JOHN 10:1-10

THE BACKGROUND

This passage comes on the heels of Jesus’ healing of a man who was blind from birth.  Some of the Pharisees were upset about it.  Jesus hints to them that maybe they are the blind ones.  They did not take it well.  At that moment, Jesus turns to his followers, and teaches them today’s lesson. It is important for us to recognize that Jesus’ teaching uses figures of speech.  He is not calling himself a gate or shepherd in the literal sense, but figuratively.

THE DETAIL

• Jesus begins his teaching by talking about livestock farming!  He reminds them about the nature of sheep and their shepherd. (vv. 1-5)
• The disciples are confused.  “Why are you talking about sheep and shepherd?” they seem to say, or at least that’s how I imagine it.  In Jesus’ day, being a shepherd was at the bottom end of the job choices.  (v. 6)
• The “thieves and bandits” are those who denounce Jesus as the Messiah, and seek to lead us astray.  In this case, they are the temple officials, who feel threatened by Jesus’ superior spirituality. (vv. 7-8)
• Jesus explains the story by making one of his famous “I am” statements that are found in John’s gospel.  This one is “I am the gate”.  He is also the shepherd, whose voice we recognize.  We follow him, and find good pasture.  (v. 9)
• By following Jesus, we have abundant life.  (v. 10)

THE TAKEAWAY

Sheep really can tell their master’s voice from a stranger’s.  Jesus must have known this, and uses it as an object lesson.  In this teaching, Jesus warns us to not be lead astray by following teachers who are not true to his teachings.  There have been fake religious leaders claiming to represent Jesus’ teachings going all the way back to the very early days of the church.  Things are no different in this current day and age. The responsibility is on us to listen to our Shepherd’s voice, and decide who is a “thief and bandit”, and who speaks for Jesus.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

How do we “know our master’s voice”? 

In many workshops there is a workbench.  If someone is making several identical items, they will place a mark on the bench to make sure all the parts conform to the original.  Cut material is brought to this benchmark to ensure accuracy.  Discrepant pieces will need to be trimmed.  Others will need to be discarded. 

The words of Jesus are my benchmark.  The actions and statements of many today need to be compared to the teachings of my Lord.  If they don’t line up with this benchmark, they must either be “trimmed” or discarded.