Daily Readings - Thu May 16 2019
Acts
13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.17The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.18And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.19And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.20And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.21And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.22And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.23Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:24When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
John
16Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.19Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.20Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two significant moments in the narrative of faith. The first reading from Acts 13 finds Paul addressing a synagogue, where he succinctly recounts Israel's history, from their origins in Egypt to the arrival of Jesus as the Savior. This historical account is not merely a recitation of past events but a bridge connecting the community's heritage to the present reality of salvation through Jesus. Paul's message is one of fulfillment, highlighting how Jesus embodies the culmination of God's promises.
In the Gospel of John 13, Jesus engages His disciples during the Last Supper, discussing themes of servant leadership and betrayal. He underscores the humility required in following Him, noting that a servant is not greater than the master. This passage also touches on the pain of betrayal, with Jesus foreseeing one of His closest disciples turning against Him. Yet, amidst this foresight, He emphasizes the importance of receiving His messengers as receiving Himself and the Father.
These readings intertwine the themes of divine plan and discipleship. Paul's address in Acts illustrates God's overarching plan, while John's passage delves into the personal challenges of following Jesus. Together, they call us to embrace humility and trust in God's plan, even when faced with adversity. In our daily lives, this means living as servants, trusting in God's providence, and being open to receiving others with the same grace we would extend to Christ. The moral here is clear: our faith is lived through humble service and unwavering trust in God's plan.