August 25, 2023

Dear Road Church Friends,

The two most puzzling personalities in the Gospel story of Jesus and his Apostles are Peter and Judas. Peter has a leading role. Judas has a bit part, but he is no less important than Peter. They are at opposite ends of the list of Apostles, Peter is always first, Judas is always last. Peter is always in the spotlight; Judas is always in the shadows. Peter is the hero. Judas is the villain. But we do not live in a black and white world. In our world of living color, Peter and Judas are very much alike. Unfortunately for Judas, he is defined by one treacherous act. We forget that he was chosen like the others and that Jesus sent him out to preach the gospel and work miracles like all the others. When Jesus said one of them would betray him, they had no idea who it could be. Peter’s character is revealed in many events that show he is not the solid rock we imagine him to be. Jesus named him “the rock,” not because he was a rock, but as a reminder of what he was called to be. But Peter and Judas had much in common. Both were Apostles. Both were betrayers.  Like Peter, we are called to be “living stones,” but there are traces of Judas in us too. More on this when we gather together again on Sunday morning.

       SCRIPTURE READINGS                           SERMON: “Peter-Judas”

1 Peter 2:4-5

Come to Jesus Christ. He is the living stone people have rejected, but which God has chosen and highly honored. And now you are living stones being used to build a spiritual house. You are also a group of holy priests, and with the help of Jesus Christ you will offer sacrifices that please God.

Matthew 16:13-23

Near the town of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, “What are people saying about me?” They answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptist or maybe Elijah or Jeremiah or some other prophet. Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus told him,  “Simon, son of Jonah, you are blessed! You didn't discover this on your own. It was shown to you by my Father in heaven. So, I will call you Peter, which means “a rock. On this rock I will build my church, and death itself will not have any power over it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and God in heaven will allow whatever you allow on earth. And he will not allow anything you don't allow.” Then Jesus told his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Messiah.

JUDAS—PETER  by Luci Shaw

Because we are all betrayers,

Taking silver and eating Body and blood,

And asking is it I?

And hearing him say yes,

It would be easy for us all

To rush out and hang ourselves.

But if we find grace to cry,

And wait out the days after the

Voice of morning has crowed

In our ears and broken our hearts,

He will be there

To ask us each again,

Do you love me?

Blessings to you all, Pastor Norm

This Worship service on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/5AFNNC-5tao?si=tuferWKnZmwzbfU5