14 April 2024 3rd Sunday of Easter
‘And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out,
From Acts 3:13-15,17-19, NRSV
As he neared the end of his speech to the crowd gathered in Jerusalem at Pentecost, Peter makes it clear that the Jews held responsibility for rejection of Jesus and that this was exactly as had been prophesied. Peter was not just trying to make his listeners feel bad about themselves since he also offers them the chance to repent so that they too can know God’s forgiveness and mercy.
- How do you suppose those listening to Peter felt about what he had to say?
- How does it feel to know that we are not defined by our past sins and failings?
Pray for those who are weighed down by the guilt of sin and who have lost confidence in hope for the future.
