In a world that would seek to divide us, we are given a direction to follow, a way to live and hope for the future. We are invited to follow, to trust, to believe.
These last weeks have been a focus on the stories of Jesus’ appearances to his disciples after the resurrection – the story of Thomas and his doubts, the road to Emmaus and now we begin the turn in the story toward Jesus’ leaving and the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
With that we begin to hear the words of what is known as “The Final Discourse” – chapters 14-17 of John’s gospel. Jesus teaching the disciples about what was going to happen – giving them hope and direction for the future.
The timing of these passages of scripture for our worship is interesting to me as the upcoming Sabbatical in now not week’s away, but really just days away. I read these chapters about Jesus teaching the disciples, about how he will be leaving soon and how they should still have hope and remember all the things that he has told them.
And I think, hmm, me and Jesus – we are kind of in the same boat here. He’s leaving – I’m leaving. But then, I remember the rest of the story – you know, the betrayal, arrest, torture, crucifixion – I guess I don’t want to stretch the comparisons too far…
Anyway, as we hear these words today from John’s gospel, we should remember that they do occur before the drama of Holy Week and all that transpired. Jesus and his disciples have been together for about two years at this point – Jesus has taught, has lived, has served, has shown them what it means to live and trust in God.
So, when I hear this part of the story, it is like the final review session for the disciples – final exams are coming up soon and Jesus is recapping all that they have learned and done together – pulling all of the different pieces and parts into a cohesive whole as he prepares to send them out into the world on their own.
There is a problem though – and it shows up almost immediately. The disciples are confused about what Jesus is talking about, first Thomas asks:
“Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5)
With Jesus’ responding:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7)
To which Philip makes this awkward and inappropriate request, saying:
“Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” (John 14:8)
You can almost hear Jesus smacking the palm of his hand into his forehead. They still do not get it. Jesus responds:
“Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. (John 14:9-11)
They are so human. They are awkward. They don’t listen well. Abstract concepts can be a mystery. And they don’t like change. They are us.
What I like most about Jesus’ words here is that they recognize something in what it means to be human and what it means to be a person of faith – and that is the acknowledgement of the ebb and flow – the seasons of life, the continuum of faith, especially when it comes to our belief and trust in God.
There are times when we are so assured of God’s presence – it is palpable – we can feel it, we can almost touch it – it is real. But then, there are other times when we can find ourselves questioning not only where God is, but even if God exists at all – our doubts can flow over us in times of grief and loss. Worship doesn’t make sense. Prayer seems ineffective.
Over the course of a life time – we probably live most of the time in between these two ends of the faith spectrum with only occasional visits to either side – but what I like in Jesus’ words is an understanding that sometimes the words, even the words of Jesus will not be enough to make us believe, to give us hope. But Jesus doesn’t leave us just at words – he also acts – he also shows the presence of God in the way he serves and spends time with people.
Jesus modeling for us a way of living and believing. Almost the idea that we can serve our way, not into heaven, but into recognizing God’s presence and grace among us. Jesus showing us the way forward.
However, in the end, I think that Thomas’ question is still all too real for us:
“Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5)
In our lives today, it feels like everything is divisive – from healthcare and immigration and the ecological state of the planet; to military action and rumors of war; to the rise of white-supremacist groups openly recruiting on college campuses to a seemingly astronomical increase in gun violence not just in the “inner” city, but all over.
Yes, Thomas’ question is still a real one – “How can we know the way?”
And yet, some would take Jesus’ answer and use it in divisive ways too. Jesus responding to Thomas:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
Over the years, these words, in some circles, have been weaponized to exclude from God’s grace anyone who does not profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In those moments, we quickly lose sight of the radically inclusive ministry of Jesus – who crossed all kinds of boundaries to reach all kinds of people – not with demands of loyalty, but with words of grace.
Pastor Fred Anderson, writes about this:
Almost as a reflex, he writes, we hear ourselves asking, “What about those who are not Christian?” The question is asked, not so much out of disbelief as of genuine concern. It can be answered from one of several perspectives. First, though, we as Christians belong to Jesus Christ, having been joined eternally to him in the waters of baptism, Jesus does not belong to us. We are his, he is not ours! That is something all too often forgotten by many a well intended evangelist. We are the Lord’s, to be sure; his promises are for us. And we are to share this good news with all who will receive it. But we don’t control it nor have the authority to place limitations on it. (Rev. Dr. Fred R. Anderson, Day1, Apr20, 2008)
Follow Jesus. Emulate Jesus. Take his words of love and grace and mercy and share them – live them out.
For, in Jesus’ response to Thomas, Jesus is not speaking words to be used to divide people 2,000 years later – he is speaking words of unity – unity between Jesus and the Father. Jesus is God’s own self-expression, to the point that we call him God’s Word.
These words from Jesus are not words intended to divide, but words intended to show that Jesus and God the Father are on the same page – that the disciples, that we, can trust in Jesus’ words and in the ways he has shown us how to live.
In a world that would seek to divide us, we are given a direction to follow, a way to live and hope for the future. We are invited to follow, to trust, to believe.
Let us pray: Holy God, sometimes the noise and divisiveness of this world, clouds our vision and distracts our minds. Help us to hear and trust in your voice, to follow the path and the direction you would have us go and to live in the way Jesus has taught. Remind us that your love and grace is expansive and inclusive of all that you have created, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Rev. John Berg
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church,
Northbrook, IL
Resources:
Day1, Rev. Dr. Fred R. Anderson, April 20, 2008.