Acts 13: 26-33; Psalm 2; John 14: 1-6
Paul continues to preach in the synagogue in Antioch. Having reminded them in yesterday’s reading of God’s favor, now he accuses “the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders [who] did not recognize Jesus…but asked Pilate to have him killed….But God raised him from the dead!” Paul announces that this is the good news: that God fulfills the promise by raising Jesus. This is the pattern of preaching in the early church: first a proclamation of good news, and only then, an exhortation (in this case, an accusation). Thomas is confused at the last supper, not knowing where Jesus is going. So Jesus responds, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”
How much good news do you hear in a sermon? How much exhortation? How much do you hear about Jesus? How many sermons on the Spirit? What can you do about that? In your own experience, when and how has Jesus been the way? The truth? Your very life? How will you respond?
We ask blessing on all who preach, teach, and live the good news of your unconditional love and faithfulness. Help us to search, with all our doubts, for the truth who is you.