Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C

Jason Schafer

Easter • Sermon • Submitted 8 months ago • Presented 8 months ago

John 5:1–9

Revelation 21:22–22:5

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Transcript

Welcome Statement

Good Morning Church. Last week we saw where Peter had a new reality revealed to Him, that was hinted at in the Gospels, but now is fulfilled—that the Good News was not only for God's Chosen people—but that it was to be adopted by all who hear. We know that Peter struggled with this. However, when the providence of God was clear, he would step aside and let God do his work. Paul also has a very similar reality given to him, in Acts 16:9-15 we see where he is given a vision, that he is to take the message to Europe in Macedonia.

Historical Reading - Acts 16:9-15

Acts 16:9–15 ESV

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

Lydia Blessed with the Gospel

As Paul follows the Spirit’s leading to Macedonia, he meets Lydia—a dealer in purple cloth, a woman of notable standing in the city of Philippi. She becomes the first recorded European convert, and her story reminds us that the Gospel doesn’t just cross geographical borders but also social and cultural ones. Lydia’s openness and hospitality symbolize the way the Good News takes root when hearts are ready to receive it.

She’s more than a convert; she’s a partner in the mission, offering her home as a new base for the spreading of the Gospel. This shows us how the Spirit not only calls people to faith but also to active participation in God’s work—breaking down barriers and building new communities.

A Call of Obedience

This call to obedience of the Spirit has many places, but the lectionary takes us to John Chapter 14 today. During this Chapter, Jesus sort of says his farewells. It is before his proclamation of being the true vine, and after his proclamation that Peter will deny him 3 times.

Old Testament Point #3

words

Gospel Reading

John 14:23–29 ESV

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.