Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’. And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:21,22).
Read John 20:19–31
We probably cannot comprehend the traumatic effects on the disciples of the death of Jesus and the disappearance of his body. It’s hardly surprising that even after the account of Mary Magdalene they are still locked away in a private place in fear of their own lives.
Reflect for a moment on the healing effect of the words of Jesus: ‘Peace be with you …’, he breathed on them, and repeated it.
They are not just words, they bring the Holy Spirit and healing. Physical and spiritual healing.
We can forgive Thomas. We don’t know why he wasn’t there. We read nothing to show that the disciples believed Mary’s account either. Thomas wanted to experience Jesus himself. In his trauma how can he believe anything right now?
Yet with Jesus’ grace for Thomas, we also read: ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’
That’s us. That’s you and me. We don’t have what we might feel is the ‘luxury’ of the post-resurrection sightings of Jesus, but we have the Holy Spirit in us through our baptism. We have the word of God in the Holy Scriptures, and we have God’s promises and all of these accounts through which our faith is nurtured. We don’t need to hide away in the upper rooms. We are not in danger of our lives when we are identified as God’s people. We are responsible for sharing our faith with others; we are instructed, like the disciples, to forgive the sins of others: ‘… if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’
Outside the upper room, what are we doing with our freedom? Just as Thomas was no good isolated and alone, neither are we. Nurture your faith. We have the freedom to worship in our church family every week and the responsibility to share our faith and God’s love in our daily lives.
Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do. Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure, until my will is one with yours, to do and to endure. Amen (Edwin Hatch 1878).
Sal is married to Pastor Matthew Huckel, and they live in Victoria with their six children. Music, theology, literature and languages are passions the family share and explore together. Sal loves writing, speaking and walking to the beach at every opportunity.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1).
Read Psalm 133
Imagine going to your favourite restaurant, and sitting at an adjacent table was a bearded man stuffing large pieces of oily pizza into his mouth. And then, as you watched, the grease from the pizza dripped down his beard and onto his clothes. Revolting, right?
Now listen to these first two verses of our reading today: How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
To our 21st-century imaginations, revolting, right?
Aaron, though, the anointed spokesman of Israel, had oil poured from the top of his head where it flowed down – down to his beard and collar. The blessing of unity is from above and moves from head to heart.
In theory, I get the metaphor – anointing oil, blessing from above… check. I believe there are better metaphors for unity, not to change the wording of the scriptures, but to offer a modern equivalent.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. It is like an emptied bottle of champagne at the wedding of loved ones, pouring down into crystal glasses, toasted to God’s blessing and for long life and happiness for the couple.
Have you been to a celebration like that? Unity is the symbol of weddings and, as the gathering joyously celebrates, they recognise that God is in the very centre of the proceedings.
When was the last time you felt unity among God’s people? What is another metaphor you might use for unity?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your blessing from above. Help me to be unified with other Christians and enjoy that blessing. Amen.
Reid Matthias is the school pastor at St Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, Queensland. Reid is married to Christine, who, together with their three incredible daughters, Elsa, Josephine, and Greta, have created a Spotify channel (A 13) where they have recorded music. Reid has recently published his seventh novel, A Miserable Antagonist, maintains the blog ireid.blogspot.com, and regularly contributes to The Lutheran magazine.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to (Jesus) and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ (Luke 10:40).
Read Luke 10:38–42
Admit it. Everyone has either spoken those words aloud or shouted them inside our heads when one of our siblings, cousins, or workmates has taken the easy (read ‘lazy’) way out. We address an authority to come down hard and make that person help, right? And while they’re at it, can that authority give me some accolades for doing all the tough work?
Here’s another admission. Martha’s words don’t just apply to cleaning or cooking or working, I have at times said this to Jesus when it feels like super-martyr-me is doing all the God stuff while everyone else is going to the beach. ‘Jesus, don’t you care that everybody else is slacking off while I work by myself? Tell them to help me!’ And while you’re at it, can you announce to them when they come back that I’ve been the most faithful one all along?
When I read this Bible story about Jesus’ closest friends, two sisters and their brother Lazarus, I secretly cheer for Martha every time. It’s the fairest way of looking at things. Once the work is done, THEN we can all settle in for story time with Jesus.
Thankfully, Jesus does not berate Martha, but he gives a different perspective, one that she can hold onto. Only one thing is needed and important at that moment: to be with Jesus. All the other good works that feel important, the religious tasks, slaving over devotions, cooking up some good prayers, cleaning out the spiritual closets, serving worship at church – all these are great things – but only one thing is needed to experience eternal life: Him.
Set down your good works for a while and sit with Jesus. Be with Jesus. Listen to him. It’s a restful new perspective.
Jesus, your words and life are amazing. Give me hope and rest as I listen and search for you. Amen.
Reid Matthias is the school pastor at St Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, Queensland. Reid is married to Christine, who, together with their three incredible daughters, Elsa, Josephine, and Greta, have created a Spotify channel (A 13) where they have recorded music. Reid has recently published his seventh novel, A Miserable Antagonist, maintains the blog ireid.blogspot.com, and regularly contributes to The Lutheran magazine.
But [the expert in the law] wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘Who then is my neighbour?’ (Luke 10:29).
Read Luke 10:25–37
‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’
The expert asks a masterful question; the Master responds expertly. This scenario is pure Jesus and a masterclass on engaging with people about faith.
- Jesus returns the expert’s serve with a question. Instead of answering and closing the book on the question, Jesus invites the expert into a conversation and relationship. That’s what questions do. ‘What does the Law say? How do you read it?’ (verse 26)
- Jesus acknowledges the expert’s opinion (verse 28). Jesus doesn’t shut him down even when the expert tries to justify himself. When we acknowledge different opinions, even if we don’t agree with them, we build a bridge for continued relationships.
- Jesus invites the expert into a story (verses 30–37). It would have been quite simple for Jesus to humiliate the expert’s racism, superiority, and arrogance, but instead, Jesus told a story to help the expert draw the right conclusions. As I read the end of the story, I didn’t get a sense that the expert went away angry, offended, or ready to retaliate on social media. It feels like he leaves to chew on what he has been taught.
Perhaps the question for us is, are we prepared to ask questions of those whose opinions differ? Are we willing to hear the thoughts and ideas of others? Are we willing to invite people into the story of faith using everyday symbols that allow others to draw their own conclusions?
Holy Spirit, thank you for bringing people into my life who ask great questions. Help me to be curious, listen and hear their stories as we journey through life together. Amen.
Reid Matthias is the school pastor at St Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, Queensland. Reid is married to Christine, who, together with their three incredible daughters, Elsa, Josephine, and Greta, have created a Spotify channel where they have recorded music. Reid has recently published his seventh novel, A Miserable Antagonist, maintains the blog ireid.blogspot.com and regularly contributes to The Lutheran magazine.
‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children’ (Luke 10:21).
Read Luke 10:17–24
Seventy-two adults returned from their apprenticeships as ambassadors of peace and healers of the sick. The scripture does not say how long they were away, only what they were to do, and that they went ahead of Jesus. As Luke describes it, I picture the reunion like kids who, when figuring out how to ride a bike, fly a kite, or do something they previously thought unimaginable, they came screaming up to Jesus: ‘You’re not going to believe what we just did!’
Even though Luke doesn’t describe the minute details, I can’t help but imagine a smirk on Jesus’ face, a hand on their backs (you know, like what your mum or dad did when you succeeded at something), and he says to them, ‘Okay, okay, that was fun, I know. Calm down. Don’t let your joy be overrun by what you did; think about the big picture. Your names are written in the Book of Life because of what God is doing. Nothing can get at you. Ever’.
Jesus thinks of the disciples as God’s children. They were excited. Though it was amazing to the disciples that they were given power over the spirits, it would be God’s work in Jesus that would be the final blow to Satan and all his schemes. In the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God’s saving work on the cross, every believer, saint and sinner alike, escaped the clutches of sin, death and the devil.
This Easter season, rejoice that the work of Jesus reveals your name in the Book of Life. Nothing can get at you. Ever.
Describe one time in your life when you used your gifts to bring about goodness. How would you imagine Jesus responding?
Thank you, Jesus, for writing my name in the Book of Life. Give me bold strength to use your gifts in the world. Amen.
Reid Matthias is the school pastor at St Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, Queensland. Reid is married to Christine, who, together with their three incredible daughters, Elsa, Josephine, and Greta, have created a Spotify channel where they have recorded music. Reid has recently published his seventh novel, A Miserable Antagonist, maintains the blog ireid.blogspot.com and regularly contributes to The Lutheran magazine.
‘When you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house”. If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them. If not, it will return to you’ (Luke 10:5,6).
Read Luke 10:1-17
Before COVID-19, there was a part of the service I called ‘The Introvert’s Worst Recurring Dream’. In church terms, the bulletin read … PASSING THE PEACE.
Typically, extroverts would turn en masse to the nearest people and shake hands or (worst case scenario) open their arms for a hug. This ‘passing of the peace’ would last for agonising minutes – lots of ‘Hello’s’ and ‘How are ya’s’, maybe a recap of the week, and finally – mercifully – the pastor would jovially proclaim, ‘All right, you can all go back to your seats now’. I sometimes wondered what the point was. What was ‘passing the peace’?
In our scripture today, Jesus sends out 72 willing, able, and (presumably) peaceful servants who will act as ambassadors for Jesus as they go ahead of him to the towns, to individual homes, to share his peace. As they enter houses, they are to pass the peace (of Jesus) to the inhabitants and, if the residents are promoters of peace, it will stay. If not, it bounces back, I guess.
Is this what happens in churches? Do we herald the peace of Jesus? Do we share this peace which entails confession, forgiveness, grace, and all the fruits of the Spirit, or is it simply a catch-up time for those who might have been late for the service?
I’m tempted to think that the designation of peace, and the passing of it, was to prepare others for Jesus’ coming. As you are promoting peace, think about the words that facilitate the grace of God coming to individual houses. While small talk might be necessary, maybe this phrase could be a later follow-up: ‘No matter what you are feeling or going through at this moment, may the peace of God which passes all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.’
Holy Spirit, let your peace be upon me. Please help me to be a promoter of peace and one who passes it on to others. Help me not only to feel peace but to be peaceful. Amen.
Reid Matthias is the school pastor at St Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, Queensland. Reid is married to Christine, who, together with their three incredible daughters, Elsa, Josephine, and Greta, have created a Spotify channel where they have recorded music. Reid has recently published his seventh novel, A Miserable Antagonist, maintains the blog ireid.blogspot.com and regularly contributes to The Lutheran magazine.
‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?’ (Luke 24:32b).
Read Luke 24:13–49
On January 12, 2007, an amazing thing happened near the Metro station in Washington DC. A young man wearing jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt began to play the violin. It was evident to all who passed and especially, those who paused, that the young man had talent. He played for 45 minutes, enjoyed the hearty applause from the select few who stopped and, when finished, he picked up his violin case and deposited the handful of coins – 32 dollars worth – that had been unceremoniously chucked into it, into his pocket and whistled his way away from the station.
Some would have walked away wondering why their hearts had burned with beauty after the young man’s performance. Amazingly, if they had shown up at the Boston Symphony Hall three days earlier, they would have paid 100 dollars to hear Josh Bell, one of the preeminent violinists on the planet, play his 1713 Stradivarius.
Hundreds had the opportunity to stop and hear the master, Josh Bell, play for free, but most were too busy and missed out on the opportunity to have their hearts set on fire.
When Jesus appeared to Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus, they had no idea it was the Master of all Creation walking with them. Without cost and reservation, Jesus ‘sang’ the Music of Salvation and the Song of Hope to these men. While so many in Israel had passed Jesus by, these two had front-row seats to the masterpiece.
And when they had finished, and Jesus had disappeared from their midst, it almost sounded as though they were breathless. ‘Were not our hearts burning within us …?’
This is what the risen Jesus does for all of humanity. He offers himself free of charge, and the time we spend with him is full of beauty and the majesty of the Father’s Song of Salvation. Have you heard the song lately?
Question: When was the last time your heart burned within you for the sake of faith?
Thank you, Jesus, for your miraculous gift of salvation. For the gift of grace through your life, death, and resurrection, I am overwhelmed and grateful. Thank you. Amen.
Reid Matthias is the school pastor at St Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, Queensland. Reid is married to Christine, who, together with their three incredible daughters, Elsa, Josephine, and Greta, have created a Spotify channel where they have recorded music. Reid has recently published his seventh novel, A Miserable Antagonist, maintains the blog ireid.blogspot.com, and regularly contributes to The Lutheran magazine.
Easter Sunday Read: John 20:1-31 “Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’” John 20:18a (NIV) Begin a chain reaction with God’s Grace. There is always a chain reaction to good news, and it seems before long everyone has heard the news in one form or another. Sometimes after it has travelled through various sources, we may question the authority of the news and want to get it from a firsthand source. Especially now in the days of social media – news can spread far and wide so quickly that it is hard to keep track of all who know. I love the account of the resurrection in the Gospel of John. For one thing, John puts himself in the picture of being one of the first to see Jesus alive – (John 20:3-5)… it is commonly assumed that John was ‘the other disciple’. So, Jesus appeared to John, Peter and Mary, then all the other disciples (except Thomas). He was the one who questioned the authority of the source, but Jesus soon put him straight by appearing it seemed just to him. How would it be to have the risen Saviour standing in front of us today? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see Jesus! But we do, we see Jesus every day in the people we talk to, the people on the street, in the school, in the aged care home. Jesus appears everywhere. We have been given God’s Word to assure us of His presence in our lives. Jesus has risen – He is alive in us and in others. Such a gift of grace. This is itself a source of joy and hope. The excitement began with Mary Magdalene in the text above and soon the disciples had caught this joy and they then shared it with the help of the Holy Spirit. I pray that you also will catch the promise of Easter – our risen Lord and Saviour who has promised us the gift of life forever. This is Jesus’ exciting grace – Share this grace of love, joy, forgiveness and hope to the rest of the world. ‘Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!’ Prayer: My risen Saviour, I praise you for overcoming death to assure my salvation in heaven. Help me to begin a chain reaction to this Good News. You have triumphed, Halleluiah! Amen. 5
40th Day in Lent (Holy Saturday)
Read Mark 15:33-47 “And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God.’” Mark 15:39 (NIV) In the death of Jesus our life begins – that’s GRACE. When living in Loxton in the Riverland of SA, I found that I was truly able to understand how death brings life. For a seed to bring fruit it first must die, and be buried in the ground, and through water and sunshine (gifts from God) that seed will soon become a plant that produces fruit to bring life to others. Farmers have a most incredible faith. Their livelihood relies on God’s grace and goodness to bring rain and sunshine at the right time to bring the crop to harvest time. In the above account in Mark, we read that Jesus died a horrific death, even calling out to His Father feeling abandoned, and leaving His life on earth. Even in His dying, we read the proclamation of the guard standing by that this man was God’s Son. Fruits were already being felt by those seeing an innocent man die. Joseph of Arimathea (who was a prominent member of the Jewish Council) recognised Him as the Messiah and made sure Jesus’ body was given a proper burial in a new tomb. God’s grace came to fruition three days later when that tomb became empty. The Son of God had defeated death and rose from the ground to live in God’s Sonshine. The title of this devotional is ‘Understanding GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense’. It is at the time of Jesus’ death that we can truly understand God’s intentions for us. He needed everyone to be saved and so to cover our sins, He sent His innocent Son to die. But we will read tomorrow what God has done in the resurrection of Jesus. Death could not hold Jesus and He defeated Satan for us. Through the death of an innocent man – the Son of God – we are freed and can begin a life with God in heaven. Through the death of one man, our eternal life has been secured. Prayer: My loving Saviour, thank you that you did not leave me to live in my sin, but you brought me grace and love through your death. I can now live eternally knowing my sin is removed. Amen