Pearls From Peace

Matthew the tax collector is called to come and follow Jesus, and then they gather at Matthew's house with other tax collectors, and sinners for a meal. The Pharisees see this and question the disciples of Jesus why Jesus would eat with tax collectors and sinners? Is Jesus doing this to show that He cares about them? Is being with them condoning their behavior? Or is there a greater reason why Jesus associates and eats with tax collectors and sinners. And what does that mean for how Jesus connects with us?

As we celebrate the day of Pentecost, we know that many were baptized that day after they heard the Gospel of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The death and resurrection of Jesus is what we are baptized into. And in Baptism we receive forgiveness of sins, we are rescued from death and the devil and given eternal life. Faith is also present in Baptism as given by the Holy Spirit. As we also celebrate Confirmation, we see these young people who had been brought to the baptismal font confirm their faith that was given to them in their baptism.

As Paul was in Athens he found many objects of worship, including an altar to an unknown God. As we remind ourselves of Peter's words to always be prepared to make a defense of our faith, Paul takes the opportunity to tell the people of Athens about the true God that is unknown to them, that he will make known: the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As we go about our daily lives, walking in faith, Christ is in us, has given us the Spirit of truth, and He helps us to do that same: share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

The Lord is my Shepherd. These famous words of Psalm 23. We are the sheep of the Shepherd. The Gospel of John talks about hearing the voice of the stranger versus the voice of the Shepherd. In the world we live in, there are many voices that try to lead us astray from the Shepherd, from the rest of the flock, into dangerous places. Amidst all the other voices, amidst all the lies, how can we hear the Good Shepherd's voice?

As Jesus is transfigured on the mountain, He appears with Moses and Elijah, the representative of the Law and the Prophets. The Law and the Prophets that Jesus comes to fulfill. As they are on the mountain Peter thinks it a good thing that they are there (he, James, and John) and wants to put up three tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. While this is a good moment, they cannot stay there, because Jesus needs to continue His journey to the cross. Maybe in our own lives we want to stay in the good moments, the safe moments, rather than the more difficult ones in life.

As we further talk about callings in life, Jesus gives the Beatitudes. Each of them start with the word "blessed." As Jesus calls us to faith, calls us to follow Him, we are blessed whatever we go through in life, even if it means persecution. What He has also promised us in our callings in life, whatever they may be, is that He is with us always, every step of the way.

John the Baptist calls Jesus "the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Two of John's disciples then begin to follow Jesus. Jesus says to these disciples of John, "what are you seeking?" In other words, why are you here? They ask where Jesus is staying, and He responds with, "come and you will see." As we gather for worship, we might ask the question, "why are you here?" To which, Jesus responds, "come and you will see."

We don't hear much about Jesus' childhood, except that time as a twelve-year-old boy where He stays in Jerusalem, unbeknownst to His family, in His Father's house, listening to the teachers, asking them questions, and answering questions. This happened at Passover. If we fast forward many years to Jesus' ministry, we see Him again celebrating the Passover, with His disciples, right before HE becomes the Passover Lamb for us, so that death will pass over us, and we will be given eternal life.