In our second lesson today – the one from Peter – is an exhortation to new believers to grow strong in the faith. Even if you have been rejected by someone here on earth – you are chosen and precious in the sight of God.
The disciples started out teaching the faith to Jews. Jesus was a Jew and the disciples were also. That was the only way of life that they knew - the life of a Jew. Remember that Jesus taught primarily in the synagogues and the temple courts. He did do some ‘street teaching’ and out on the mountain side or along the shore line where he got into a boat to talk to people on the shore.
But his message was primarily for Jews and he mentioned that more than once. His was a prophetic message aimed at drawing back those who had strayed from the faith – those whose priorities had become distorted – and those who cared more for the externals of worship than for the interior shape of the soul. His was a message of hope for those who were being rejected by others.
The disciples followed Jesus’ leading – after he was gone, they taught primarily in the synagogues and the temple courts. Their message was still for Jews. These disciples – and those who followed them – were called followers of “The Way.” They taught that Jesus was the way – the truth – and the life. And many of the traditional Jews became incensed – outraged – because they thought that these followers of Jesus were perverting the faith by teaching things that were outside their understanding.
In many places, the followers of “The Way” were kicked out of the synagogues – so they began teaching in the market places, in people’s homes, outside the city gates – anywhere people gathered and would listen to them. And people who were not Jewish began to hear the message – and to be converted, convicted and they too were being filled with the Holy Spirit – and the believers began to realize that God was doing a new work – that he was building for himself a new house – one made of living stones – one that included people who were outside the Jewish faith.
Once the disciples figured out that God was working in people other than Jews – they had to scramble to catch up with God. In Acts 10, we read:
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.” (vs. 44-48)
These were not Jews – but Peter recognized God’s hand at work building this new house out of living stones. Peter talks about that in this letter. "Though rejected by mortals" – the believers were being rejected by the Jewish communities – they were being rejected by authorities – yet they were chosen and precious in God’s sight. And he encourages them to let themselves to be made into a new creation – a spiritual house for the God – a holy priesthood – to become living stones.
Remember that when Moses went out to bring the children of Abraham out of Egypt – they had begun as a family – and now, in fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, they were a great nation. After 40 years of wandering in the desert, they had finally become a people distinct from the surrounding nations.
Followers in the days of Peter had become a very diverse group. There were Jews, Greeks, Romans, Asians, even Ethiopians and Egyptians. Peter tells them, “once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people.” He encourages them telling them that they were “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” And he encourages them to proclaim the mighty acts of God and tell people how he called them out of darkness into the light.
If we look back at the Gospel lesson for today, Jesus tells his disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you? -- so that where I am, there you may be also.” When he tells them, you know the way to where I am going…” and Thomas tells him, “we don’t know where you are going, how can we know the way?” And Jesus tells them, “If you know me, you will know my Father also.” And Philip responds, “Show us the father…” And Jesus tells them, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” That’s very important for us, because if we want to know what God is like, all we have to do is look at Jesus. One of the most important things that Jesus does for us is to give us a view of God. God is reflected through Jesus and that is where we come to know God more closely. Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth and the life.”
That sounds great and if often repeated, but what does it mean?
There is a song in the hymnal that I dare say no one here has ever sung; number 464.
The first verse says, "He is the way. Follow him through the land of unlikeness and you will see rare beasts and have unique adventures." You know that these disciples saw things unlike anything in their experience - things they couldn't explain. Follow him on the way.
The second verse says: "He is the truth. Seek him in the kingdom of anxiety; you will come to a great city that has expected your return for years." Whenever you are anxious or afraid, look to Jesus and his truth. That great city waiting for you is heaven - the heavenly city of God.
The third verse: "He is the life. Love him in the world of the flesh and at your marriage all its occasions shall dance for joy." The way we follow Jesus is to reach out to those around us who are in need, who are seeking something that they don't even understand. And when you give yourself over fully to God, the angels in heaven will dance for joy.
To see God - to see the Father, we look to Jesus and follow him as the way to the Father, knowing that he holds all truth and that in him we have life eternal.
Peter encourages us to fulfill our destiny – to live into the promises we made or that were made for us at baptism. If we want to grow, if we want our church to grow, then we need to live into the promises – the vows we made - and renew every time we have a baptism or confirmation. Amen.
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