God has just done an amazing thing through the hands of the apostles Peter and John; in the name of Jesus, the hands of Peter and John healed a man who previously was stuck in a life of little to no movement.
From birth the man was unable to walk, and was completely dependant on others to eat and even use the bathroom. In an instant, the man was healed and dancing around the temple in Jerusalem. The people in the temple took a look at this healed man, turned their gaze, and simply stared at Peter and John. They stared, mouth gaping, at the two men who could do such a thing. Peter felt compelled to honestly explain that he and John could not do any healing themselves; it was Jesus who actually did the healing, but in his explanation we start to hear the harsh word: “you.”
Jesus did this healing, remember the one whom “you” Jews handed over to Pilate. Remember, he is the one whom “you” rejected. He’s the one whom “you” murdered “you” Jews. “You” killed the author of life. “You” killed the savior of the world. “You” killed Jesus. “You” killed the author of life.
It is so easy to fall into this language. “I” was not the one who hit the baseball, “you” were the one who hit it through the window and directed it right at Mom’s miniature tea collection. “You” did it. “You” are going to be in trouble. “You” are the evil one. Of course, “I” have not had this type of conversation before. That tea set thing was completely made up. But, “you” on the other hand. “You” have done this plenty. “You” constantly make the situation about “us” and “them.” It is “you” who divides this country into Republicans and Democrats. It is “you” who is polluting our world. It is “you” who keeps readjusting my office chair to a different height. I know, it is one of “you.” It is “you” who is to blame for the ugly carpet and tile job. I would have chosen something beautiful. I cannot believe “you.” It is “you” who are at fault. I bet it is “you” who would kill Jesus if he were standing right here. It is “you” who sucks the life out of the room.
“You…you…you deserve to be punished. “You” deserve everything that you get. What goes around comes around. Maybe, we should just nuke “you” and we won’t have to worry about “you” messing up the world. Think about it, “you” deserve to be punished. “You” will not be missed when “you” are finally gone and are no longer a threat to “us.”
This is dangerous language. We have used it to make all kinds of hate look good. It is easy to forget that other people are also God’s beloved children when “they” are the evil ones. Consider, that God’s own chosen people, the Jews, the very people that God promised to be devoted to forever, have been targeted by people throughout the years as a “you.” This is dangerous language. This language leads to war. This language leads to holocausts. This language leads to death. This language actually is not the language used by Peter, therefore we cannot excuse ourselves when we use it.
Do not forget, when Peter speaks of “the Jews,” he too is a Jew. “He” also denied Christ, and the cock crowed. “He” too contributed to Jesus’ death. “He” stood by and let it happen. “He” abandoned his Lord. “He” too did not take Jesus seriously. “He” too killed the author of life. And, last but certainly not least, “He” is a living example of what God does with those who kill God’s love.
Does God kill those who do not agree? Does God create wars to destroy those who are a danger? Does God refuse to ever talk again to those who do not see eye to eye? Does God hate “you?” Peter gives us the answer:
Now, friends, I understand that you acted without knowing what you were doing, as did also your rulers…turn around from that hateful life therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.
For God, killing is not the correct reaction. War also is not the answer when people are divided. Ignoring those who are in disagreement also is not the option God goes for. Instead, Jesus chooses another way; forgiveness and love. He does not exclude the “yous” of the world from his table. Instead, he invites them to sit down and feast. “You” too are invited to the feast of love.
All Scripture quotes are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyrighted, 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and is used by permission. All rights reserved.
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