Daily Readings - Fri Apr 13 2018
Acts
34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;35And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.36For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
John
1After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.3And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.4And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.5When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.7Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,9There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?10And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.12When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.13Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.14Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.15When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Sermon
**Sermon Based on Acts 5:34-42 and John 6:1-15**
**Summary of Readings:**
In Acts 5:34-42, Gamaliel advises the council to cautiousness, using historical examples to suggest that if the Apostles' work is divine, it cannot be stopped. This leads to the Apostles being beaten but continuing their mission with joy. In John 6:1-15, Jesus feeds 5000 with a boy's five loaves and two fish, demonstrating God's provision and Jesus' humility, prompting the crowd to want to make him king, leading Jesus to withdraw.
**Context and Connection:**
Acts is set in the early church, where the Apostles face persecution. Gamaliel's prudent advice is a key moment, showing some leaders were cautious rather than hostile. John's feeding miracle is a significant sign in his Gospel, highlighting Jesus' divine care for physical needs. Both readings emphasize faith and trust in God, illustrating that aligning with God's will leads to resolution of impossible situations.
**Application to Daily Life:**
These readings encourage trusting God's plan amidst uncertainty. Like Gamaliel, we should approach situations with wisdom, and like the feeding miracle, trust God's provision. Offering our little, like the boy's loaves, allows God to multiply our efforts, whether in personal challenges or serving others.
**Moral Lesson:**
The moral is about discernment and trust. We should wisely discern situations and trust God's greater plans. Like the Apostles, we may face challenges but should continue our mission with faith. Offering our resources, no matter how small, allows God to work through us, teaching us humility and reliance on His providence.