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On this rockFriday, April 29, 2011
Acts 4:10-12 Peter's words leave no room for any "interpretation." You killed Jesus, he says to his captors, and God brought him back to life. What do you have to say for yourselves? Your authority has been invalidated by events. Your words have been proven hollow and false. Less than two months earlier this was the site of Jesus' "trial." Peter was angry, violent, and then suddenly stricken with panic. He pretended not to even know Jesus, and was overwhelmed with shame. Now for the first time since that humiliation, he's in the same temple court. What is he thinking? How does he feel? The Holy Spirit has changed everything. He represents Jesus with power and authority, with gentleness and healing. His words rock the crowd and capture their hearts, just as Jesus did. We are a week past the day of death - Jesus on the cross crying to God, "Why have you forsaken me?" In that week so much has changed. Nothing is the same. Jesus has changed everything in the twinkling of an eye. The temple's authority and its claim on God's presence is no longer valid. Just as Jesus promised, a new temple is now in place. Jesus is the cornerstone of this temple. Peter knows that truth from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. It flows through him and from him, and thousands of people are listening. You, Jesus, are the rock of my salvation, you are the strength of my life. |
The religious and civil authorities have arrested Peter and John, although there is nothing to hold them on except their successful healing of a crippled man. But who is accusing whom here? The defendants are ready to speak loudly and clearly in the name of Jesus.