Living the Resurrection

It’s hard enough to be scrutinized when you’ve done something wrong. It’s even more difficult when you’ve done something right. Peter and John do a good and right thing: They heal a man born lame. When healed, the man jumps up and makes a spectacular show of himself in the Temple. That act of healing and the ensuing celebration attract a crowd of amazed people. That’s when Peter begins preaching the truth about Jesus, the possibility of forgiveness, and the reality of the Resurrection.
None of these actions merit trouble. But before long, Peter and John are hauled before the religious legal experts to answer for themselves. Nothing tests our moral compass quite like being questioned for doing the right thing. Like confronting a friend for self-destructive behavior. Or challenging a politician with immoral policy positions. Or pressing for reforms within our faith community.
Peter and John bring a powerful Exhibit A to the trial: the testimony of the healed man himself. When the interrogators see the well-being of a man who can now walk, “they had nothing to say in opposition.”
This is what the truth does. This is what belief in the Resurrection does. It demonstrates even to the most ardent skeptics the possibility that God works in surprising ways. Despite pressing Peter and John to cease their actions and stop preaching the gospel, the religious leaders release them. They escape punishment, and public support now favors them.
It may be hard—seemingly impossible—to stand up for God’s truth and goodness when you are persecuted for doing so. But there’s a reason that Jesus in the Beatitudes calls us blessed when we do.