Third Sunday of Easter: First Reading, Acts 2:4a, 36-41            

Acts 2:4a, 36-41

The death and resurrection of the Nazarene carpenter are past HISTORICAL events. And Peter is one among thousands in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. “The first Christian sermon” is straightforward if nothing else. And tucked within it is an accusation. One of those kinds of accusations that one had better be able to back up with facts. And a grand thing to remember is that the New Testament is full of claims, made in bold-face clarity in the presence of many opponents. It is one of the gospel’s great strengths that for all the opposition, no one makes a legitimate case against the claims of the early Christian community. “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again,” as an ancient liturgy declares. And Peter, now filled with the Spirit of his risen God, declares in like manner that the fault for the murder of Jesus lies squarely with his Jewish brethren.

Murder. Plain and simple. Jesus was the victim of a heinous crime. And Jesus would be well within His place to pour out justice against His assassins. But Jesus inspires His good friend with a different message. The enemies of Jesus in the crowd cry out in despair, “What shall we do?” If I had been Peter I probably would have said, “DUCK! Vengeance is on its way.” But not Peter. This fisher of men is “instructed” to declare grace and mercy. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (2:38). It intrigues me that those who claim that baptism doesn’t really accomplish anything would make meaningless the entire exhortation from dear Peter. The crowd’s sin, specifically their murdering of Jesus, needs the forgiveness of God. And they know it. Peter’s prescription for their malady makes absolutely no sense if it fails to bring the relief they need and seek. No, Peter directed by the Spirit of the Lord grants forgiveness through his words. Jesus forgave the murderous soldiers from His Cross-Throne. He forgives the people here from his bloodline. Jesus keeps forgiving. And He hasn’t stopped yet. Jesus IS the King of Grace.

He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!