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Day 31: Astonished (Acts 4:13-17)
Sometimes all the evidence in the world won’t change people’s minds. Whether it’s a trial by media where people assume someone is guilty despite the evidence proving their innocence or a scientific discovery where people assume the world is at the centre of the universe despite all scientific observations pointing to the opposite. Sometimes the hardest minds and hearts can’t be changed. This is the case for the Sanhedrin as they gather to judge Peter and John. The Sanhedrin don’t like their preaching and they don’t like that they are healing in Jesus’ name, but there is power and clarity coming from these unschooled men, and the man who had been healed by God through their ministry was standing next to them. There was nothing they could say. Sadly despite all this evidence they scold the apostles and threaten them in a vain attempt to stop the Gospel from spreading.
While the hardest hearts may deny the Gospel, this is no reason to stop proclaiming it. Sometimes our deepest held assumptions and fears hold us back from hearing the Gospel but Jesus tells us “the truth will set you free”. This is why disciples of Jesus need to keep presenting the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection and keep open minds. We need to listen to other people’s perspective and passionately and thoroughly present our own. While hardness of heart and fear keep many from following Jesus, we are living proof of the power of the Gospel and the difference Jesus makes in our lives today. DB
QuestionsWhy do you think the Sanhedrin refused to accept Peter and John’s testimony?
What groups of people do you see in the world today who refuse to believe the truth, despite all the evidence?
How can we present the truth of the Gospel in ways that help people to accept it?
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the truth. Thank you for those who have proclaimed Christ crucified and risen throughout the ages. May this truth continue to bring healing and freedom and may you soften the hearts of those around us so they might trust in you. Amen.
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By St Bart's Anglican ChurchSometimes all the evidence in the world won’t change people’s minds. Whether it’s a trial by media where people assume someone is guilty despite the evidence proving their innocence or a scientific discovery where people assume the world is at the centre of the universe despite all scientific observations pointing to the opposite. Sometimes the hardest minds and hearts can’t be changed. This is the case for the Sanhedrin as they gather to judge Peter and John. The Sanhedrin don’t like their preaching and they don’t like that they are healing in Jesus’ name, but there is power and clarity coming from these unschooled men, and the man who had been healed by God through their ministry was standing next to them. There was nothing they could say. Sadly despite all this evidence they scold the apostles and threaten them in a vain attempt to stop the Gospel from spreading.
While the hardest hearts may deny the Gospel, this is no reason to stop proclaiming it. Sometimes our deepest held assumptions and fears hold us back from hearing the Gospel but Jesus tells us “the truth will set you free”. This is why disciples of Jesus need to keep presenting the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection and keep open minds. We need to listen to other people’s perspective and passionately and thoroughly present our own. While hardness of heart and fear keep many from following Jesus, we are living proof of the power of the Gospel and the difference Jesus makes in our lives today. DB
QuestionsWhy do you think the Sanhedrin refused to accept Peter and John’s testimony?
What groups of people do you see in the world today who refuse to believe the truth, despite all the evidence?
How can we present the truth of the Gospel in ways that help people to accept it?
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the truth. Thank you for those who have proclaimed Christ crucified and risen throughout the ages. May this truth continue to bring healing and freedom and may you soften the hearts of those around us so they might trust in you. Amen.