John 10:22-30, Psalm 23, and Acts 9:36-43
The book of Acts deals with the story of Peter’s ministry. God sent the Holy Spirit on his behalf after Jesus Christ was resurrected and stayed with his disciples. Today, Peter is boldly telling the story of Jesus. Joppa, the setting of the Word, is a coastal city called Jaffa in modern Israel. Tel Aviv is a 60 km drive northwest of Jerusalem, which serves as the economic capital. Joppa is the place that Jonah supposedly used in the past to escape from God. Peter came here to preach the gospel. However, there was a female disciple here named Dorcas. This may not be strange to you, but to conservative church members, it is a good example of what is recorded in the Bible about female disciples and female leaders in the church.
She was always doing good and helping the poor. I believe that the apostles recognized her good deeds enough to call her a disciple. Through this service, she gained respect and love from those around her. Also, seeing as she uses the Aramaic name Tabitha and her Greek name, I guess she was probably a Greek Jew. This name means Gazelle, and when people at the time saw a gazelle, it symbolized grace or beauty because it could run fast and had dignity. So, Dorcas, as her name suggests, was a beautiful woman passionate about good deeds and charity. She became sick and died. Then the other disciples, who had heard of Peter’s presence in nearby Lydda, implored him to visit Dorcas of Joppa. When he visits, she is already dead and is lying in the Upper Room. And the widows surround her, weeping mournfully and reporting her good deeds to Peter. Widows were very weak in ancient societies where the economic foundation and social status depended on their husbands. For them, Dorcas was very dedicated to helping. The NIV version translates it as robes and other clothing, but the Greek original records not only outer clothing and undergarments, but also a covering called a himatia. And this was an expensive robe suitable for blocking the hot sun of the Middle East and could be used as collateral when money was needed. Perhaps Dorcas was like a mother to these people. At this point, I see two points of the disciples’ ministry. That is Dorcas’ ministry and Peter’s ministry.
When I first prepared the sermon, my focus was on Peter. However, the more I read, the more I am convinced that her good deeds and relief through Dorcas touched many people. The 1st century was when Christianity was not yet recognized as a completely independent religion from Judaism. So, it is time for the disciples to be threatened by traditional Jewish believers like Saul. At that time, the disciples who followed Jesus did good deeds and charity and cared for the weak in society. On the one hand, it was hazardous. These were things that could be threatened at any time by the powerful, including Jewish leaders. This is because they were disciples who not only did good deeds and charity but also shared the gospel of Christ. Nevertheless, as the disciples gathered in Joppa say in John 27-28, “27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” They heard the Lord’s voice and trusted. They decided to live a life of following Jesus. And they go on to eternal life. This is the path of dedication.
Next is Peter’s ministry. Peter goes up to the upper room, sends those who are crying out, and prays. “Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.”
We’ve heard stories like this before. As you all know, when Lazarus became sick and died, Jesus raised him again. This is what Peter, now a disciple, did the same thing. The hearts of Peter who performed the miracle and the disciples who called him are also very impressive. Washing Dorcas’ body, preparing it for funeral, and at the same time laying it down in the attic are actions that anticipate the works of the Old Testament prophets. Many disciples believed and prepared that God’s special grace would be bestowed on her because of her devotion. Peter’s belief that the resurrected Jesus would bring her back to life, and Peter responded and became an instrument in the Lord’s ministry. We can see the disciples’ earnest faith and expectations. At the same time, we can all confirm God’s merciful response.
Dear everyone, Some of us may do things like Peter in charismatic ministry. On the one hand, like Dorcas, we can share good deeds, charity, and the Word. In this way, we as disciples can do what the Lord did today, 2,000 years later. Lastly, we remember Dorcas, who became the mother of widows with great and deep love, and we support the countless women and mothers in this land. May the grace of the Lord be with you. Amen.