Immediately following Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit descending,
Peter got to work preaching and healing. So much so that the early church formed almost
immediately, and communal faith, church praxis, and Christian fellowship unfolded. In these
ten verses, Peter experiences what is still true for all of us at the Our Story level today.

Over and over Peter tries his best to follow Jesus, to stand up for Jesus, and to
demonstrate his own faithfulness, but time and time again, his efforts fall short. Jesus calls him to deeper understanding and greater discipleship while offering abundant grace. As we look at Peter’s individual My Story, we see our own personal stories of faith, failures, and grace reflected.

The Feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle that occurs in all four gospels, which is interesting. How everyone is able to be fed and there be more food left over than what started is a mystery we cannot explain . . . but this story still has something to teach us, nonetheless. It may be the most important thing we learn.

Jesus is at a Pharisee's house. A sinful woman comes to wash his feet with her hair. Simon, the Pharisee, rebukes Jesus for letting a sinful woman touch him. Jesus tells a quick parable, challenges Simon, and surprises the room. This moment has something to teach us even today about the nature of forgiveness.

Jesus calls a tax collector, Levi, to be among his disciples. To show his appreciation, Levi throws a banquet feast. The Pharisees get frustrated with Jesus’ willingness to associate with tax collectors and say as much. Jesus’ response is something the church still needs to hear today.

Immediately following communion, the disciples argue about who among them is the greatest. Jesus squashes the conversation by answering their debate matter-of-factly. The greatest among us are those who choose to serve and not who expect to be served.

On this World Communion Day, we will focus on perhaps the most important table scene in all the Bible: Communion. Jesus, in the Upper Room, breaks bread and pours wine to demonstrate his commitment and plan for humanity.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most important teachings in all the Bible. It has enormous implications for our lives. Together, all three characters experience something different around the table, and we need to hear about and from all three.

Jesus continues teaching to the tax collectors and sinners. He tells two incredible parables of sheep and coins getting lost and being found. Together these parables help us see that no matter how hard we try to avoid it, sin is part of the deal. We will lose our way. We must learn to see when we were (or are) lost, to admit we are sinners, and to repent so we can be found.

While Jesus was eating with Pharisees, he noticed something odd. The Pharisees immediately chose the seats of honor. Jesus takes this moment to teach them all about true humility. This lesson still applies today.