Peter had just preached the first Christian sermon on the day of Pentecost. It is a magnificent testimony to Jesus life, death, resurrection and ascension. In a few short verses it lays out God’s plan of salvation. If you have time, read Acts 2:14-36.
Peter’s sermon concludes with these devastating words: “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). The people gathered to hear this first sermon were cut to the heart. They had so long been waiting for God to send His Messiah and when He came, they had crucified Him.
Yet in a way each time we sin and fall short of God’s glory, we crucify Jesus. Every time we are less than loving, we crucify Jesus. Every time our language is foul, insulting or rude, we crucify Jesus. Every time we ignore God’s holy law or make light of His commands, we crucify Jesus. These sinful actions, thoughts, and words afflict us every day. What are we to do? What will happen to us?
St. Paul brings his comforting word to us, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15). Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for YOU!
The people listening to Peter’s first sermon had the same concern, “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37). To this Peter gave this most remarkable answer, ““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. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself”
I’m not sure that I can begin to imagine the joy in the hearts of these people. They had crucified the Messiah and God was forgiving them! Three thousand were baptized that day and received the gifts that God attaches to Holy Baptism: forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. These spectacular gifts are also offered to us and our children in baptism. Thanks be to God!
Prayer: O Holy Lord, I am sorry for all of my failures to obey your divine law. Thank you for forgiveness, life and salvation in Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
The Baptism of the Neophytes
Masaccio 1401 – 1428
fresco (255 × 162 cm) — 1425
Brancacci Chapel, Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence
http://www.artbible.info/art/large/179.html
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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