“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

Acts 2:36-41

36 “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.

In Acts 1 Jesus ascended to heaven, but before he ascended Jesus shared some instructions with his disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight.

Jesus could have said many different things before he ascended to heaven – remember to brush your teeth and floss, live on less than you make and give and invest the difference, look both ways before you cross the street, remember to take care of the poor, forgive one another as you have been forgiven, etc. Instead, Jesus looked them in the eye and said, “You will be my witnesses.”

I can imagine they were a little disappointed when he said they were to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. They would have been okay with Jerusalem and Judea. But Samaria? The ends of the earth? The Samaritans lived in Samaria and Jews despised Samaritans. The end of the earth was not exactly a walk in the park either. Who wants to venture out into the unknown to do anything, much less witness?

It’s been said that Jesus’ instructions for the disciples to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth served as a table of contents for the entire book of Acts. And it’s true – the message of Jesus Christ travels through Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth throughout the remainder of Acts.

In our text for today the witness begins in Jerusalem with Peter boldly stating, “This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses (Acts 2:32).” In other words, Peter took Jesus seriously and witnessed to the message of God’s love and forgiveness in Christ that day in Jerusalem. The witness has endured for over 2000 years. The only question left to ask is, “Will the witness continue through you and your life?”

Prayer

Loving God, help us to be faithful witnesses for Christ in all that we say and do. Help us to speak an authentic word of witness to your grace and love for all humanity. Amen.

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**The Vine Devotional will be on hiatus for July, but will return in August.**