What then are we to say??? Paul’s rhetorical question offers a response to the previous chapter 5, (specifically 5:20 ‘where sin increases, grace abounds all the more’) in which he proclaims that God’s Grace in Jesus is the response to human sin. He wonders whether when people accept this, and particularly when they hear elsewhere that they have to forgive others seventy times seven, that they will think that they may just as well keep on sinning because their sin will be forgiven every time. In fact, the greater the sin, the greater the forgiveness. In that case, the prodigal son may as well come home bringing his washing for his Mum, enjoy the fattened calf for dinner and then clear off to his previous life again.

Paul addresses the concern that by claiming salvation through grace alone, people will simply behave as they pleased without any moral constraint. Through the years, theologians have struggled with this – Martin Luther even had a name for those who believed it – he called it ‘antinomianism’.

In response he said that the Christian way of life post-Baptism is a process of growing throughout our lives, being simultaneously both sinner and saint, continually taking three steps forward, two steps back. Paul describes this as dying to sin and being born again in Christ. In Him, we are aware of our sin and its consequences.

The argument is complex, and the discussion continues. However, when it comes down to it in our day-to-day lives, it is quite simple. When we are baptised in Christ, washed free of our past, we have the opportunity of starting again. We try – and will inevitably fail. But that mustn’t stop us trying.

Peter. Fisherman. Impetuous, always speaking his mind and acting on impulse. Rock on whom the church was founded.
James son of Zebedee. Another fisherman
John. Brother of James. Both known as the ‘Sons of Thunder’
Andrew. Peter’s brother. The first to be called by Jesus.
Philip. Probably Greek-speaking. Brings Nathaniel to Jesus.
Bartholomew??
Matthew. Tax collector – member of One of the most reviled professions in first-century Judaism. Matthew collected taxes for Rome from his fellow Jews in Capernaum.
Thomas – ‘Doubting’ Thomas? Or ‘Practical’ Thomas?
James son of Alphaeus??
Thaddeus also known as Jude the apostle.
Simon the Zealot. may have belonged to a Jewish sect known as the Zealots, who were bent on revolution and looking for a Messiah to violently overthrow Rome. Or he may have simply been zealous for the Mosaic Law. Or zealous for Jesus and his teachings.
Judas Iscariot. The betrayer. Many different opinions on his motives. In art, usually depicted wearing yellow clothing and with red hair

What a bunch. Fishermen. A tax collector. A terrorist. A sceptic. Couple of hotheads. Not sure they’re the ones I’d pick, if I were Jesus. Not even sure they’re entirely trustworthy. Surely it would be more effective to go for celebrities – people who are well known and who could act as ‘influencers’?

Well, actually, no. The Gospel isn’t a fashion accessory. It’s real, and it needs real people to proclaim it. Jesus doesn’t choose people for their looks – He is interested in picking the right ones to do the job and to initiate the word being spread abroad. He chose ‘ordinary’ (actually, no-one is ‘ordinary’ as far as Jesus is concerned) people who would be believed by their friends and neighbours – in turn they would spread the word to their own contacts, and so on in turn. To use a current term – going ‘viral’.

Someone once asked who would be the best person to talk about Jesus to a lorry driver. To which the answer is ‘another lorry driver’.

Who would be the best person to talk to your friends and family about Jesus?

You.

What is Faith? The assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith. The difference that allows us to persevere when we appear to be in a situation of little hope, when doubt ties us down and restricts us from doing what we know we must, when we are attacked by secular rationality that questions our belief.

Faith. When all we have is the promise of Salvation to which we cling, like a lifebelt in stormy seas. When we cannot imagine how God’s promise can be achieved in us. When it appears our suffering can never end.

Faith. When we feel that we can never be forgiven for our past, when we appeal for mercy, when we are told that we are forgiven, whoever we are, whatever we have done.

Faith. That Jesus heals in body, mind and spirit.
Faith. To know that however cold the winter, however dark the night, a new Spring morning will flood creation with light and warmth.

Faith. To strive for righteousness, knowing that without God’s Holy Spirit as our guide alongside us, we will fail. And when we do fail, we get up and start again.

Faith. When we unreservedly place our trust in a risen Christ.

Faith. To proclaim the name of Jesus without fear.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow”. That’s all very well for Juliet – she’s looking forward to marrying Romeo the next day, and the delight of expectation is building with each hour’s delay. Little does she know what’s going to happen.

Neither did the disciples, and according to John’s Gospel account of the Last Supper, unlike Juliet, their troubled hearts suggest they’re not looking forward to it much.

Jesus tries to reassure them, but only after His passion and Resurrection will they remember what He said and understand that the road to Freedom will necessitate travel through the darkest of dark moments. However they will not be alone, and His parting from them will only be for a short time – and then they will be with Him for eternity.

Peter’s letter shows that he did finally understand. Initially, he was reluctant to allow Jesus the Servant King to wash his feet. In the garden late that night He fought those who came to arrest Jesus. In fear, he denied that he was one of Jesus’ followers. After the crucifixion, he hid to escape being arrested.
And then, his life changed. No longer frightened no matter what happened. The empty tomb. The upper room. The miraculous catch of fish at the sea of Tiberius. Forgiveness and commissioning. Establishing the Church. Proclaiming the gift of the Holy Spirit. Proclaiming the Good News. Eventual martyrdom. Faithfully doing right, whatever suffering might ensue.

We too are challenged to live as disciples, and we have the benefit of scripture and history. We know that the story will end with Christ victorious. Whatever the ups and downs of life, no matter how we are maligned, whatever difficulties we face, we know that He is with us always; we lift high His Cross – and live.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

Go in peace, to love and praise the Lord and all His creation, giving thanks for the blessings of tomorrow – and the day after, then the day after that, and all your days. In the name of Christ. Amen