Our readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter follow. For a combined link to read them online, go here.
- John 14:1-14
- Acts 7:55-60
- Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
- 1 Peter 2:2-10
- The disciples are upset because Jesus has told them he is leaving and they will follow, but not right away. He tells them to not be troubled but to believe in God and also in him, because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He leaves to prepare a place for them with the Father, and if any believe in him, then as he is in the Father, and the Father in him, so will they be, and do the works that he does.
- Acts 7 has Stephen recount the story of Israel and of how current leaders are also betraying God and his purposes, and have killed the Righteous One, Jesus, whom he has sent. He sees a vision of the heavens opening and sees a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Stephen is condemned and stoned to death. As he is dying, he calls out to God to receive his spirit and to forgiven those who are murdering him. Stephen dramatically follows Jesus to the place prepared for him. May we also be so loyal and faithful, but perhaps not go quite so violently!
- Our Psalm calls out to the Lord in distress and asks God to rescue and save us.
- 1 Peter urges us to put away our bad qualities and actions and to drink of pure spiritual milk, growing up in our salvation. Jesus was rejected, but we come to him, the living stone, by which we are being built up together as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, proclaiming his excellencies and offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
We are and will be saved by Jesus. Let us grow in him!