April 26: Risking Redemption

And he (Peter) testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:40-42)

I find it fascinating to put this text alongside another testimony of Peter’s… the night of Jesus betrayal – “But he denied it, saying, ‘Woman, I do not know him.’” (Luke 22:57) This is Peter’s lowest moment of discipleship; he denies knowledge of who Jesus is… not once – but three times. In fact you could say that on that night there was little difference between Judas and Peter… the gap between denial and betrayal is a mere matter of nuance.

And yet here we are – not that many chapters later in the story – and Peter is giving one of the great sermons of all of scripture. It is a communal moment so stirring and in tune with the Spirit that about three thousand people are baptized and join this emerging church.

And Judas… Judas has hung himself and is buried in a common field – his name to be villianised by the gospel writers and the church that inherits their story. What makes such a stark difference from the story of Peter and the story of Judas? Why do these two narratives – so similar in their lowest moments – end up so different?

Let me hold that thought for a moment and make a not-quite random jump. When human development people look at young toddler behavior they notice something. A toddler who enters a room alone, or with strangers, will usually sit in one place (probably crying) and stay there. A toddler whose mother (or father) comes in and sits in that room with them will go and explore the whole room (making lots of mischief)! All the toddler needs is the parent to make them feel safe – to remind them that world is anchored in the safe presence of his or her mother – and that safety will translate in the ability to risk and explore.

Now back to Judas and Peter…

At the critical moment of his life Judas left the community he knew (and I think – loved). He left the disciples and identified himself with those who wanted to arrest Jesus. And when he realized that he had done the wrong thing he returned to them to confess that he had betrayed innocent blood and they turn to him and say, “’What is that to us? See to it yourself.’” (Mat 27:4)

Judas is on his own – having abandoned one community his new one abandons him… and now left alone there is no safe space. The world becomes too fear-filled… too big… too much to deal with – and Judas takes his own life.

Peter who denied Jesus stays with his friends - his community – the disciples. Peter is there to meet the risen Lord, even runs to find him. Peter doesn’t get left adrift on his own. And so Peter is able to find his “safe place” again… and empowered by the Holy Spirit go forth and risk and explore and share good news – to correct his own mis-spoken testimony and set the record straight.

In being apostle – as in discipleship – our community is of vital importance. It is safe place – home base. It is like the parent of the toddler whose mere presence enables the child to stride forth and encounter the world with joy, curiosity, and assurance.

Do you feel the reassuring presence of Christian community in your life?

Are you willing to place yourself in that community even in the worst of times?

How is that community helping provide you a safe place from which to risk and explore going forth to share good news in the world?



Redeeming God,
You breathe Spirit into our lives – offering forgiveness and love. You are our sure foundation and have gifted us with a remembering community to keep that truth present in our life. Help us to move from remembering and affirming one another to sharing that gift with the world.
Amen.