In Acts 5 the disciples are again under fire from the religious leaders, who are running out of ideas about what to do with this movement. So in a moment of unusual clarity, a Jewish leader recommends that they leave the disciples alone, because if this is of God, no human can stop it, and if it’s a human endeavor it will fail all by itself.
Jesus’ last time with his disciples reflects what has always been core to his ministry, and a picture of what was about to happen. Jesus is gracious, faithful, and the fulfillment of the Passover lamb that Jews faithfully celebrated year after year. And after many years, the wait is over, if they will see it.
On Palm Sunday the church marks this day where Jesus comes into Jerusalem with much joy, singing and fanfare. There are high hopes and expectations about who Jesus is and what it means. And yet, who Jesus really was, and what his central mission on earth is, were missed. We reflect today on Psalm 118 that recognizes that Jesus was the stone that others rejected, a foundation to faith that some passed on, or altogether rejected.
Paul describes life with Christ as fragile vessels carrying a powerful and eternal hope. Though pressed, persecuted, and worn down, he points to a God who is at work through suffering rather than absent from it. This passage teaches us that hardship can become a place where God forms resilience, faith, and eternal perspective.