ISSL Reflections April 30 2023 Acts 1:1–11 Post 1

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I.
This week’s focus Scripture and the Scriptures for the following four weeks will all highlight passages in the New Testament book, “The Acts of the Apostles.”

We start this week with a reference to the first book written for Theophilus (that would be the Gospel of Luke), a reference to a period of 40 days when “Jesus presented himself alive…” and ending with the 40th day, which we now call Ascension Day.

As you spend time with this passage, notice what has happened during this 40 day period, the instructions Jesus gives his disciples, the questions the disciples ask of Jesus, and what the white robed men ask the disciples.

II.
Acts 1:1-11 (NRSVue)

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

III.
What holds your attention the most in this passage?

Maybe it is Jesus speaking to the disciples about the Kingdom of God? Or, maybe the reference to being “baptized with the Holy Spirit”? Or, the disciples question, “is this the time when you will restore the Kingdom to Israel”? Or even the disciples standing there and “gazing upward toward heaven” after Jesus is taken “out of their sight”?

It seems to me the disciples are not only left “gazing up” when Jesus leaves them, but they are left speechless.

While they might be speechless for the moment, what questions do you think are still on their minds?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections April 23 2023 John 21:15–19 Post 3

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VII.
What is obscure in most of our English translations of the exchange between Peter and Jesus is the use of two different words for love. In the reading below I will insert the Greek words used and then let’s consider what that might add to our understanding of the exchange

VIII.
John 21:15-19 (NRSVue)

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love [agapas] me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love [philo] you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love [agapas] me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love [philo] you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love [phileis] me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love [phileis] me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love [philo] you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

IX.
Well did that confuse things or was it helpful?

The first two times Jesus asks the question of Peter he uses a word for love that we most often think is the highest, most self-giving kind of love. I suspect it is connected to the Hebrew word hesed, often translated as “mercy” or “lovingkindness” or even better “covenant-love.”

In reply Peter used a word for love which connotes something beyond friendship and more akin to the love of one family member for another. There was a time we said it was “brotherly-love.”

Does Peter not hear what Jesus says? Does he not understand? Or does he hear and understand and believe he is not capable of that kind of deep, self-giving love, and is being honest with Jesus about how he loves him and expects Jesus to know that?

When we move to the third round of questions, Jesus used the word for love that Peter has been using.

Why?

Does he acknowledge Peter’s honesty, that Peter is answering the best he can and accepts Peter as he is, for who he is and loving as he can at that time?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections April 23 2023 John 21:15–19 Post 2

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IV.
What questions does Jesus pose to Peter and what instructions does he give Peter?

V.
John 21:15-19 (NRSVue)

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

VI.
Does Peter need Jesus to repeat his question three times?

If you think Peter needs repetition, what leads you to that conclusion?

Peter replies to Jesus, “… Lord; you know … Lord; you know … Lord, you know everything …”

If you had been present that morning, what tone and/or emotion do you think you would have heard in Peter’s voice?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections April 23 2023 John 21:15–19 Post 1

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I.
After a filling breakfast of fried fish and bread Peter and Jesus have a conversation.

You might want to contrast this conversation with the earlier conversation Jesus has with Peter as presented in Matthew 4:18-22.

II.
John 21:15-19 (NRSVue)

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

III.
What is similar in the two conversations? How do they differ?

What has changed that at one time Jesus tells Peter if he follows he will be a “fisher of people,” and now he will be a shepherd?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections April 16 2023 John 21:1–14 Post 3

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VII.
As you read (… and rest in … and … meditate on … ) this passage again, pay close attention to Jesus. What does he do? What does he say? Who does he interact with? Why is he here with these seven of his followers?

VIII.
John 21:1-14 (NRSVue)

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

IX.
One quick item – Sometimes folk who talk about forming disciples of Jesus speak of the importance of “small groups” like they invented the idea of “small groups” or at least discovered the importance of “small groups” in discipleship formation. Well, it seems Jesus already knew the benefits of interacting with folk in “small groups.” Just a thought.

This group of Jesus’ disciples have “returned” to fishing and have had an unsuccessful night of it.

Jesus standing on the shore joins them, asks about their fishing success then gives them some fishing advice.

They do not recognize him at first then one of them realizes it is Jesus speaking to them.

They all eventually join Jesus on the shore and have breakfast.

Why do you think this pattern of not recognizing Jesus’ presence then recognizing them is being repeated in these post-resurrection appearances of Jesus?

What do you think leads the “beloved” disciple to recognize Jesus?

Try to recall a time in your experience when you did not initially recognize God’s nearness and then did sense it. What helped you or led you to that realization?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections April 16 2023 John 21:1–14 Post 2

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IV.
Our friend Peter hangs out a sign, “Gone Fishing,” heads off to a favorite fishing spot and some friends go with him.

As you spend time reading about their fishing trip, think about what this might tell you about Peter’s and his friends’ mood and what happens for them.

V.
John 21:1-14 (NRSVue)

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

VI.
“… but that night they caught nothing.”

For professional fishermen like Peter and the sons of Zebedee, it strikes me as a bit ironic that our Scriptural accounts draw attention to several of their “unsuccessful” fishing expeditions.

In the case before us, I wonder if Peter might be less interested in catching fish and more intent on being in a familiar and comfortable place where he can consider what has happened for him, for Jesus, for the life walking beside Jesus he thought he would have, and what his future will be like now.

Maybe fishing is not what’s most important to them. Maybe they need to come to terms with the unexpected direction their lives might be taking.

Where do you go when you need to “think things over”?

Do you recall a time when you had to come to terms with a change in your life that offered you a new and maybe very different path to the future than what you had expected for yourself?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections April 16 2023 John 21:1–14 Post 1

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I.
Let’s have breakfast with Jesus!

And in this account, not only did these disciples have breakfast with him, but it seems he cooked the fish for them. And he served it with warm bread. Well, it seems to me the bread could have been warmed by some of the same charcoal that cooked the fish. What do you think?

Let’s pay attention to this breakfast scene – the people, what they are doing, and not doing, and how they speak to (or not) each other and how they recognize one another.

II.
John 21:1-14 (NRSVue)

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

III.
In last week’s Scripture focus we saw Jesus sharing bread with some of his disciples. We also saw they did not recognize him at first.

And now we see some of the same pattern repeated.

Allow me to pose a question – can you recall times when you did not initially recognize the presence of something Holy and then your “eyes were opened”?

Can you recall what triggered your recognition of the Holy, that is to say God’s presence or nearness?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections April 9 2023 Luke 24:13–35 Post 3

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VII.
The editors of the International Sunday School Lessons in selecting this focus passage ended with what is recorded as verse 31. I would like to continue on for a few sentences. As you spend time with the passage, I encourage you to pay attention to the last paragraph of the reading.

VIII.
Luke 24:13-35 (NRSVue)

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.

They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

IX.
Did you notice – “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”

Why?

What do you think they heard or saw or sensed?

And, I wonder what in their previous experience with the other disciples (I assume they had been around the other disciples for a while) or in their previous reading of their Scripture, prepared them to hear the Scripture differently on this day?

And what about the sharing of bread and the sharing of the blessing opened them to their recognition of their companion?

Has the sharing of bread or a meal or the communion table opened for you new insights or a new way of looking at your world?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections April 9 2023 Luke 24:13–31 Post 2

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IV.
We have two walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus when an unknown stranger joins them. As they begin to talk, they are amazed that this person is so clueless about what has happened in Jerusalem.

As the conversation continues their new walking companion reveals he is amazed at how they too are clueless.

What do you think is important and maybe necessary as the two move from their initial amazement with the stranger to recognizing him?

V.
Luke 24:13-31 (NRSVue)

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.

VI.
Do you think it is important and/or necessary that they acknowledge to their new companion their confusion and questions about what has happened in Jerusalem?

Do you think they are open to the recounting of Scripture their companion offers them?

Why do they invite him to stay with them?

What opens their eyes? The Bread? Blessing the bread? Sharing the bread?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

(ps – The mailings this week are off schedule due to a problem with my website.)

ISSL Reflections April 9 2023 Luke 24:13–31 Post 1

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I.
On the day of the resurrection of Jesus we read of two followers of Jesus talking with one another as they are on their way home from Jerusalem.

As you read this passage, pay attention to their conversation with the one they encounter on the road. Look beyond their words and see what you might surmise about their state of mind, their feelings and even their hopes.

II.
Luke 24:13-31 (NRSVue)

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.

III.
How would you describe the two? Would you consider them “followers of Jesus” as I mentioned above? Or maybe “disciples”? Or maybe just curious by-standers?

What do you hear them say about their hopes?

Do you think they have any hope remaining as they speak with the (as yet) unknown stranger?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}