Exegesis of the LectionaryStudying, expounding, and interpreting the Bible readings through the Church Year

Second S. of Easter: Christ Jesus Breathes His Spirit and His Life into Us by the

Ministry of the GospelActs 5:29–42; 1 Peter 1:3–9; John 20:19–31;

Psalm 148

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

 

Acts 5:29–42

1 Peter 1:3–9

John 20:19–31

Psalm 148

 

Christ Jesus Breathes His Spirit and His Life into Us by the Ministry of the Gospel

 The crucified and risen Lord Jesus establishes the Ministry of the Gospel, in order to bestow His life-giving Holy Spirit and His peace upon the Church. To those who are called and ordained to this Office, and to those whom they serve in His name, He grants the Holy Absolution of all sins. By the fruits of His Cross He replaces fear and doubt with peace and joy, and thus gives “repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31). Through the preaching of His sent ones He calls us to believe that He “is the Christ, the Son of God,” so that by such faith we “may have life in His name” (John 20:31). In His resurrection we have the “living hope” to which we have been “born again” and by which we are guarded “for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3, 5). Until then, “though you have not seen Him, you love Him,” and by the mercies of God “you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

Breathe πνεῦμα

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit (pneuma), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.“ John 3:5

Jesus breathes his life and spirit into you. How can you explain this to a child or new believer?

LSB 470

1 O sons and daughters of the King,Whom heav'nly hosts in glory sing,Today the grave hath lost its sting!Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

2 That Easter morn, at break of day,The faithful women went their wayTo seek the tomb where Jesus lay.Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

3 An angel clad in white they seeWho sits and speaks unto the three,"Your Lord will go to Galilee."Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

4 That night the Apostles met in fear;Among them came their master dearAnd said: "My peace be with you here."Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

5 When Thomas first the tidings heard

That they had seen the risen Lord,He doubted the disciples' word.Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

6 "My pierced side, O Thomas, see,And look upon My hands, My feet;Not faithless but believing be."Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

7 No longer Thomas then denied;He saw the feet, the hands, the side;"You are my Lord and God!" he cried.Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

8 How blest are they that have not seenAnd yet whose faith has constant been,For they eternal life shall will.Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

9 On this most holy day of daysBe laud and jubilee and praise:To God your hearts and voices raise.Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!

Prayer Activity

Use your prayer notes.

Use a verse from the bible to reflect on.

Pray for the spirit to dwell in us richly.

P raiseR epentanceA ppreciationY ouE veryoneR esolve

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.  God of mercy, when Thomas refused to believe, our Lord revealed Himself so that Thomas might know the peace, joy and comfort of our Lord’s resurrection. Deliver from doubt and fear all who hesitate to believe the promise of Your Gospel and who seek a greater sign than our Lord’s resurrection. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. God of mercy, restore those who have wandered from the faith and are lost in error’s maze. Rekindle the fire of the Spirit in the hearts of those whose faith has grown cold, and restore the many who have lost their way… 

God of mercy, continue to enlighten Your Church, that she may shine the light of Your Gospel on all those who sit in darkness and death. Bless Matthew, our Synod president; [_________, our district president; _________ our pastor(s);] and all church workers and missionaries. Give them zeal for Your Word and for Your house… God of mercy, come to the aid of the nations. Where there is war, bring peace. Where there is disaster and suffering, bring comfort and hope. Where there is injustice and cruelty, bring relief to the oppressed. Where there is violence and hatred, bring love. Bless especially our president, governor, mayor and all elected and appointed civil servants on every level of government…

Prayer Activity

Use your prayer notes.

Use a verse from the bible to reflect on.

Pray for the spirit to dwell in us richly.

P raiseR epentanceA ppreciationY ouE veryoneR esolve

God of mercy, lead us to be good citizens and good neighbors. Help us to aspire to what is good and right, that we may show forth the virtue of Your grace in our love for one another within the household of Your Church and those not yet of the Kingdom… God of mercy, prepare us for this Holy Communion, that we may keep faithfully the body and blood of Christ that we receive in this bread and cup and so adorn this Gospel with glad hearts in all godliness and holy living… 

God of mercy, accept the tithes and offerings we bring as part of our worship and praise. All that we call our own has come from You, and we return to You what is already Yours as an act of faith and gratitude… God of mercy, hear us and the prayers and supplications we bring to You. Give us all things needful for this body and life, and keep us, we pray, holy and blameless, that we may be ready to receive You when You come again in Your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Group Time Meet w/teams

3-5 min per box

What are the major points of your text?

How does your topic fit the pericope theme?

How does it connect to the other texts? How is it unique?

Christ Jesus Breathes His Spirit and His Life into Us by the Ministry of the Gospel

Acts 5:29-4229 But Peter and the apostles answered,“We must obey God rather than men.30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus,whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to giverepentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council namedGamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 Forbefore these days Theudas rose up,claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He

was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 butif it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council,rejoicing that they were counted worthyto suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

1 Peter 1:3-9Born Again to a Living Hope3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved byvarious trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—

more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him.Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

John 20:19-31Jesus Appears to the Disciples19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews,[a] Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, hebreathed on them and said to them,“Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”Jesus and Thomas24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin,[b] was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails,

and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”The Purpose of This Book30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Psalm 148Praise the Name of the LORD148 Praise the LORD!Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!5 Let them praise the name of theLORD! For he commanded and they were created.6 And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.[a]7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps,8 fire and hail, snow and mist,

stormy wind fulfilling his word!9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!10 Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!12 Young men and maidens together, old men and children!13 Let them praise the name of theLORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who arenear to him.Praise the LORD!

Next Week…THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER: The Risen Lord Jesus Is with Us in Holy Baptism and in “the Breaking of the Bread”

Acts 2:14a, 36–41 Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

1 Peter 1:17–25 Called to be Holy

Luke 24:13–35 On the Road to Emmaus

Psalm 116:1-14 I Love the Lord

 

Acts 2:14a, 36–41; 1 Peter 1:17–25; Luke 24:13–35; Psalm 116:1-14

Acts 2:14Peter Addresses the Crowd14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.Acts 2:36-4136 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

1 Peter 1:17-2517 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.22 Now that you have purifiedyourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.[a] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,“All people are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;the grass withers and the flowers fall,25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[b]And this is the word that was preached to you.

Luke 24:13-35On the Road to Emmaus13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”They stood still, their faces downcast.18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”19 “What things?” he asked.“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.20 The chief priests and our rulershanded him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went

in to stay with them.30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke itand began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Psalm 116:1-141 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.4 Then I called on the name of theLORD: “LORD, save me!”5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.6 The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.8 For you, LORD, have delivered mefrom death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.10 I trusted in the LORD when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”;11 in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.”12 What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of theLORD.14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.