YES

Sunday April 7^th, Acts 5: 27 When the apostles were brought before the council, the high priest said to them, 28 "We told you plainly not to teach in the name of Jesus. But look what you have done! You have been teaching all over Jerusalem, and you are trying to blame us for his death."  First the power structure in Jerusalem, those who were in cahoots with Rome, said a loud No to Jesus’ message of grace and forgiveness by crucifying our Lord and Savior.  They thought they were rid of him by having him crucified.  They thought they had saved their necks and the necks of all their friends from the Romans by getting rid of that trouble maker Jesus.  In Response, God said a loud “YES,” in the resurrection and Jesus and his trouble making went merrily on. In the process God’s “YES” also saved the necks of the Romans, those who were in cahoots with Rome, their friends and you and I. The ripples of the YES continued with the disciples.  Instead of denying Jesus, as they did at his crucifixion, they were going about the Jesus business which is bringing the good news.  Jesus business, if it is honest Jesus business, always scares those in power who rule with fear.  If it doesn't scare them it is probably not Jesus business, it is just disguised to look like it.  That reality is as true today as it was back with those who were in cahoots with Rome.  How can you tell if they are cahoots or converts?  Just ask yourself how they follow Jesus mission statement in Luke 4: ¹⁸"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, ¹⁹to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."  Now ask how you follow it.