Sunday, April 12: Easter

2 Peter 1:16-21

I hope you are as excited for Easter as I am!

Last week, Jeremiah finished our series on Mark 1–8. The first half of Mark ends with Jesus asking his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” I imagine the disciples were pretty hesitant to speak up, but finally Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” Then, just as we think Peter was starting to “get it,” Jesus told him that he must suffer many things, be crucified, and after three days rise again.

Peter was having none of it.

Peter couldn’t imagine a suffering messiah. Peter thought God could only be in control if they were winning, and crucifixion certainly wasn’t winning. He kept this attitude through most of the Gospels, famously abandoning Jesus in his hour of need.

This week, we are going to look at 2 Peter 1:16–21. Peter wrote his second epistle close to the end of his life. In fact, the letter kind of reads like a last will and testament. In it, we see the words of a man with a much different perspective. He’s able to maintain hope even when it isn’t obvious that God is at work. His last words to his friends are an encouragement to stay faithful and to remember that God is patient.

What changed him?

Easter of course!

Join us online this week (at 9:00 with a rebroadcast at 10:45) as we celebrate Easter and look at Peter’s first-hand account of the difference it makes!