“Put your sword away!”

John 18:11

“KNIVES OUT” was a film I enjoyed at the end of 2019.  The title comes from an expression we use when people seem ready to resort to extreme measures, including violence, after feeling cheated or threatened. Remember a “knives out” moment in the Gospels?

The “Sword of Saint Peter,” on display at the Archdiocesan Museum of Poznan, Poland, is said to be the very weapon the future Apostle-in-training used to chop off someone’s ear. Its authenticity is questionable, but the story it represents from John 18 is powerful, Gospel truth. As he tried to protect his beloved friend and teacher, instinctive anger and fear led Peter to a tragically ironic betrayal. Walls closed in, Peter distanced himself from Jesus, and before night was over, denied loyalty to his friend.  Then, he heard the rooster crow.

Many times, we find ourselves justifiably angry and threatened by what we see going on around us. Our instinct may be to lash out – to chop off an ear. The Gospel leads in a different direction. Jesus restored Peter, led the Apostle forward without an iron sword, and empowered him to establish the Church. He can empower us in the same way.

Perhaps you have had a “knives out” moment, maybe even this week.
Have you also heard the rooster crow?

Young Church

  • Godly Play: Parable of the Great Pearl
  • Big Kids: ZOOM Meeting at 11:20 am on Sunday

SERVE TOGETHER SUNDAY: JANUARY 31st

Why partner with Aurora Commons? What are the ongoing needs? To gain a better understanding of the issues faced by our unsheltered neighbors and those trying to help, listen to Outsiders, a podcast produced by KNKX.

THANK YOU…

….Emmaus Road, for the kind, generous gift that came in the form of a beautiful card and collected offering. 2020 was an especially challenging year for everyone. We missed hosting the Christmas party, sharing victuals and potations, dancing in the house, and smoking around the fire. But, seeing you every Sunday via ZOOM, staying in touch through email, sharing prayers, and occasionally chatting on the phone, has meant the world to us.

– Pastor Eric

BEYOND SUNDAY

  • Four separate Small Groups meet via ZOOM on a regular basis – “Guys Group”; “North End Moms”; “Crown Hill”; “POD-19”; email office@emmausroad.net for info
  • New Horizons Dinner – served every first Wednesday; email office@emmausroad.net for info.