Delivered March 23, 2008
by Pastor Eric Henderson
One day a grandson asked his grandmother, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" Grandma mentally polished her halo while I asking, "No, how are we alike?"
"You're both old," he replied.
Many of us listen intently during children's time for children's responses because their understanding of life and God is fascinating and sometimes humorous to us. We often notice room for a growth of understanding God.
Peter the apostle's understanding of God and Jesus grew and changed over time. After a lifetime of knowing God, Peter stated his belief by saying,
"I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ - he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
About 3 years earlier Simon Peter understood God and life differently. He understood the life of a Jewish fisherman. He had been taught that God had created the world, delivered his ancestors from slavery, given them commandments for life, given them land, and would someday send a Messiah to save his chosen people, mostly Jews or God fearers. Peter understood that daily prayer, giving alms, obeying the laws, attending synagogue, and fishing was what God planned.
One morning after a night of fishing but no catching, Peter's routine was disrupted by Jesus the teacher who provided an abundance of fish with one casting of the net. Peter was astonished and tried to separate himself from Jesus but was pull closer like a fish in a net when Jesus asked him to follow and begin catching people.
As Peter followed Jesus his understanding of God and Jesus changed and grew. He understood that fish fed people, but he didn't understand how Jesus fed thousands with two fish and thanks to God. Peter understood how to swim, but didn't understand how he and Jesus walked on water. Peter understood that bread made from grains was important to life, but didn't understand when Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Peter didn't understand how eating Jesus flesh and drinking his blood could affect eternal life, but he kept following Jesus. Along the way, Peter understood that Jesus was the Christ, but didn't understand fully what Jesus meant when he talked about dying and coming back to life. Peter understood that servants washed feet but didn't understand what Jesus was doing washing his feet and the feet of the other disciples so he protested adamantly, No you shall never wash my feet!" Peter understood that he loved Jesus and asserted with confidence, I will lay down my life for you, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!" Peter understood that Jesus was being arrested and would be killed, so he pulled out a sword to defend Jesus. He didn't understand God's plan of death leading to life. Peter understood the finality of physical death so ran to the tomb for a firsthand look at the supposed empty tomb. Peter understood fishing for fish, so when Jesus left, he returned to what he understood. Jesus understood fishing for people, and once again called Peter to fish for people. Peter understood that he had adamantly denied Jesus, lying in the process, leaving Jesus alone in his time of pain and death by crucifixion. Jesus understood forgiveness and helped Peter understand God's forgiveness by calling Peter once again to fish for people. Peter understood that different people spoke different languages, and on the day of Pentecost started to understand that God was pouring out his spirit on all people from every nation. Peter understood that talking about Jesus was risking and got himself arrested and jailed and beaten but now things had changed, I wonder if he understood the new boldness and the power of the Holy Spirit? Peter had a vision of all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. He heard a voice telling him to eat all of them. He understood the Jewish law of clean and unclean food so when he heard God telling him to eat it all boldly said, "No way!" He understood that he was not to associate or eat meals with Gentiles but was starting to realize that God's spirit was trying to help him understand fully God's plan for the world.
Now Peter had been with Jesus at least three years, had received the Holy Spirit and was with Gentiles. He states his understanding;
"I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ - he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. "
Peter's witness was short and simple. Basically, Jesus is for all people. Jesus died and rose again. God welcomes and forgives those who believe Jesus. I'm supposed to tell others.
Easter 2008 finds us with a variety of understandings of God and especially the meaning of Jesus resurrection. What we understand about Jesus and God is the story or the understanding that we pass on to others.
My hope is that as you have prayed, listened to the teaching of Jesus, observed the life of Jesus, worshipped, and fellowshipped you realize that your understanding of Jesus is growing and changing. Today as we celebrate Easter and Communion may the Holy Spirit give life to our understanding of God, and empower us to witness of Jesus life to others.
Petitcodiac Mennonite Church