• Home
• Church Events
• Cell Groups
• Resources
• Contact Us

Introduction

If the most important thing Jesus told them in these discourses in terms of what they were to do was to love one another. What Jesus now tells them must count as the most encouraging and important in terms of how they were be the people of God. We are very familiar with these words but I want to encourage you to take very seriously his words and the promises he makes as we look afresh at this and let them have his desired effect upon you.

At the same time there are things that he said that have caused difficulty and things that are hard to understand. His comments about us doing greater things than he did for example. Much has been made of this verse, particularly in Pentecostal circles. I've been in those meeting where preachers have shouted this verse and lots of people get excited and jump up and down. One of my many failings is that I find myself to join in at this point! As I have found myself incapable of doing things that Jesus seemed to find rather easy: healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding the 5000, turning water into wine (quite handy if you haven't got a bottle to hand!). In all honesty I don't see many people doing these things either. I am a little sceptical about some claims made by others too (another of my failings). Jesus did some pretty “great things” - it is hard to top those - so greater cannot mean in quality. Perhaps greater is quantity – after all 1 man in 3 years can only do so much. Maybe it means that through the Spirit we will get more done than he did.

That brings us to the main focus of these verses – the Holy Spirit. Jesus is telling them and us that though he is leaving he will send another “parakletos” (paraclete). Because the other paraclete will be just like – in fact he is his very own spirit, his own breath, his own inner life – Jesus will be with them by virtue of his spirit. In fact it is better – because Jesus could only be in one place at a time – the Spirit not subject to such limitation will be with us all, all the time.

Advocate

Have you watched those courtroom dramas? One I liked in more recent years was John Thaw as Kavanagh QC. He would champion the underdog, he would win the unwinnable, he would do the right thing. It appealed to our sense of justice. In real life of course there was George Carmen QC who managed to get Ken Dodd off for tax evasion – he's been making jokes about it ever since. This word has a legal background – advocate - someone who stand up in a court of law and represents a person and explains to the court things from their client's point of view. He pleads the case, argues in favour of, defends, promotes their case. John tells us our number 1 advocate is Jesus – 1 Jn. 2:1. Jesus is on the side of the sinner – here he tells us he is sending us another advocate, like him, his spirit. So the Spirit intercedes on our behalf before God. – we have an advocate with the Father – What a defence team. Let's be honest this is something we should all feel glad about. Have you got things that you would rather most people not know about – join the club. But God is on your side – The Son and the Spirit are your defence team. The judge is your father.

Am I alone who finds prayer difficult (another of my failings). I don't understand it for one thing, I don't understand exactly how it works. The bible makes out that it is so simple – but not in my life apparently. Jesus says here about having whatever we ask in his name. I have heard a lot of nonsense in this connection. People who claim that you can ask for whatever you want – prayer is like a great big blank cheque. If that was so my daughter wouldn't have been in a wheelchair for nearly the last 5 years, I would drivel and Aston Martin and play a Stradivarius violin! It is utter claptrap. If I give you a document giving you the authority to act in my name it would obviously mean that you were authorised to act in accordance with my wishes – of which I would have made you very aware. So Jesus promise amounts to that – we can ask for anything in his name, i.e. according to his will and wishes. But still this causes a problem. Thousands of Christians have prayed that Liz be healed, that Heath should have been healed – reasoning that surely it is God's will that the sick should be well. It hasn't happened. Confused? Me too – so this is where the Spirit helps us - Rom. 8:26-27. Sometimes in my family people shoot their mouths off – there are some big mouths in my house – (mine is the biggest, yet another of my failings). Sometimes when someone has said something that may have some truth in it but has overstepped the mark, someone else steps in and tones it down and makes it sound more reasonable and acceptable. That is part of the role of the Spirit – he takes the nonsense and confusion we come out with sometimes and presents our case to the Father. So don't give up praying just because you don't understand it, because you're not getting the answers you wanted, the Spirit is taking your prayers and presenting your case before the Father in the best way, just like a good lawyer can represent someone's case.

Comforter

There is another shade of meaning in this term and in this passage too. Remember Jesus is reassuring them. He repeats those words about not being troubled and afraid. The KJV translates parakletos as “Comforter”. He is telling them someone will be coming to come alongside them and put an arm around them. Have you noticed that when someone is deeply distressed – perhaps bereaved, having other people with them, hugging them, being alongside them, gives them strength for the moment, then the none after that. Nothing has changed, the pain is still there, but the support of other human beings strengthens the person, their presence supports them through the pain. This is part of what Jesus described as being the function of his Spirit whom he was going to send. come alongside to be with, supporting. The presence of the Spirit in our lives brings comfort.

One of the most astounding things that the New Testament tells us about the life of being a follower of Christ is that we are told about this union between the follower and the one we follow. We are told that we are one in the same way that Jesus and the Father are one. That this presence of Jesus, His Spirit, will be and is actually inside us. As Paul later puts it we are Temples of the Holy spirit, both individually i.e. our very bodies contain the Spirit and corporately (the Spirit dwells in the church, the gathered people of God). When we grasp the significance of this it will affect the way we live our lives. It should affect the way in which we gather together. We are in Christ, he is in us, He is in the Father and the Father is in him.

Jesus spells out the further significance of this in terms of peace that he was bringing. In John's Gospel “the world” tends to be used in the sense of the word as it stands opposed to God. A place of danger and threat. It is has rebelled against its creator. Yet God still loves it so much that he gave his Son. In these chapters that record the Upper Room discourse the world tends to be seen as a place of danger and darkness, where the disciples will continue to live when Jesus has gone, it will stand opposed to their message. But Jesus is saying if we love him then we will obey him, the spirit will help us and bring to mind God's word and that will lead to peace. Someone said: Peace that Jesus gives is not the absence of trouble, but is rather the confidence that He is there with you always. That is just what Jesus is saying here as they follow him in love and obedience they will discover the Spirit's help and peace, reassuring them of Christ's continued presence. Our peace as Christians comes not from the mistaken idea that we are exempt from the sufferings of the rest of humanity but from the knowledge of his presence in it all with us.

Conclusion

We have an advocate and a comforter called the Holy Spirit. What does that mean for you? For how you view yourself, how you live your life, how you view the world and for the fears and worries you have? Let us know the fellowship of the Holy Spirit now and always.

Back to top

Introduction

I have never been to a vineyard, though I have sampled their produce. The purpose of a vine is to produce grapes from which wine is derived. Vines need to focus their energy on producing good grapes, not second rate ones. They need to grow towards the light rather than growing into a tangled mes. It will literally get in its own light. Left to themselves they tend to produce a lot of superfluous growth which must be cut away if the vine is truly to be what it is capable of. So you prune it to stop it wasting its energy and being unproductive. You cut out the parts that are growing inwards and getting tangled up and encourage the one that are growing out, towards the light.

In Jewish tradition the vine was commonly a symbol for Israel, sometimes wild, sometimes producing bad fruit; it was a common feature of life, fruitfulness. In this passage uses this picture of vine, branches and gardener to illustrate the nature of our relationship with him. He has told us he through the Spirit will live in us, we are one with him as he is with the Father. Jesus talks about this relationship a little more so we can understand it. When he says he is the true vine, he is saying he is the true Israel. He is the one on whom God's purposes are resting. His followers if they remain in him are therefore members of God true people. It means that God's continuing purposes rest on them and us as we remain in this relationship.

An Organic Relationship

We have all grown up with a particular emphasis on having a “personal relationship” with God. We have used quite unbiblical language asking Jesus into your heart as your own personal saviour is something that the disciples of Jesus probably would not have understood immediately. This language has been helpful to some to understand what is being spoken of here, this intimate relationship and not so helpful to others. Some people more easily find that the concept of Jesus as a friend more easy than others. Let's be honest it is hard to define it sometimes. I can't see God, I physically touch him nor have I heard his audible voice (I am naturally suspicious of those who claim to have heard the audible voice of God more than Moses!). Compare it to my relationship which occupies all 5 senses – that is a personal relationship. Our relationship with God is based on faith, it is misleading to speaks of it in the same terms as our other relationships. That doesn't mean it is less real or significant – but it is different. I do think that there has been an over-romanticisation of our relationship with God. I know Scripture speaks of Christ and his bride the church – but a lot of that has to do with getting the idea of the church having to be prepared for the final consummation with Christ. What Jesus speaks of here in terms of vine and branches is an organic relationship, we are clearly joined to him in a very real, living and vital relationship. But it is going to be different to other relationships for obvious reasons.

Remaining in Relationship

Our role in this relationship is to remain in him. To remain attached to the vine in this organic relationship. Again we are not given much detail here. Does it mean every conscious waking moment we are working hard at remaining in the vine? That we must constantly be praying and thinking about this relationship? I don;t think so. To use other relationships as an example. Those who are married – you do not constantly say to yourself “I am married...”!. It is not possible to be constantly talking to one another. Although it is true to say that you have a consciousness of this relationship, communication is vital. Tracey and I text one another several times a day when we are not together. I would say that remaining is about having this consciousness – I am in relationship with God, I am following Jesus. We may not think it all the time but we carry a sense of knowing we are his, believing in him, loving him. Talking to him, thinking about God (as I read recently someone has described thinking about God and his ways is actually a form of prayer. We may find it hard to sit down and spend on prayer – but actually discussing the ways of God and thinking about them is prayer, communion with God. Again there is a promises here about prayer and receiving what we ask in his name. There is something we need to take on board and not to allow our faith to be sapped by the perplexities of prayer but instead asking and believing. So this remaining in relationship consists of things we can do – we can read the Scriptures, we can pray, we can believe, we are following Jesus.

I think also it includes remaining in the community that knows and loves him. We can't go it alone. It concerns me that many who follow Jesus think that they can do this. There is a fairly widespread idea that you don't need church. Because God is revealed in nature you can go and feel the presence of God in the country instead. Well you can of course experience God like that. But that misses the point of what church is about. The purpose of church is not primarily to experience the presence of God, since we all carry his presence with us. It is about gathering together in community, the people of God, learning to love one another. Worshipping together, listening to the Scriptures unfolded together. Breaking bread together. You simply cannot do that other than by meeting together. That too is important in “remaining”. The “church” as imperfect as it is is not an added extra – it is an essential of the life of faith. Branches that decide to go it alone, that do not remain attached as we've talked about are in danger of withering and dying.

Pruning

Branches that remain in the vine, in this organic relationship have to submit to the Father's pruning knife, in order to bear fruit. This is the uncomfortable bit – but as has been said – the gardener is never closer to the vine than when he is pruning. When God prunes us he is always very near, especially in the midst of our pain.

How does God prune us? Here all that is mentioned is by his word that he speaks to us. It is often suggested that God uses other methods to prune us in order to make us fruitful. As Rick Warren says “God may also use problems, pressures, and people. People will criticize and challenge you. They will question and doubt you. They will challenge your motives. God is using them to prune you. God can use every situation in your life to help you grow if you will just have the right attitude. He can use it all—the problems you bring on yourself, a major disappointment, a financial reversal, a sudden illness, a broken marriage, a rebellious child, the death of a loved one. He will and he does use them all as part of the pruning process to make you even more fruitful.” I hesitate to agree with him. It may be true – I just have reservations about this assertion since Jesus does not appear to make the connection here. Other passages seem to make this connection. I just have reservation about God purposing problems and painful experiences in order to make us fruitful. It raises some serious questions!

God certainly uses those experiences to make us grow – but if pruning is God intentionally cleaning us up I am more comfortable with seeing it as mainly through his word. That is what Jesus says he uses here in order to make us fruitful. But we have to be obedient – so we are not passive in this. There are those things where God convicts us of a bad attitude or habit, of something that needs dealing with. That is not comfortable. I little while ago I remember having some words with my eldest child, possibly a little harshly – though I felt justified. Went out and walked the dog. Came back and read my bible and the notes along with it – that spoke about not dealing harshly with your children. I was pruned and had to apologise. That's not true – I could have not apologised but then I would have been disobedient. So our obedience is required if the pruning is to be effective. When we are we are made clean. Let's be honest there is plenty that needs tidying up in our lives in order to make us fruitful. What after all the fruit he is after? According to this passage it is all about loving others. So let's listen when God speaks a word to us, whether through the bible directly or through someone else, it can happen when you are watching tv, a film, listening to a song – God can speak.

Back to top

John's Gospel

Following Jesus along a different path

John 12:9-50

Preached on 2nd May 2010

Introduction

We have been enduring a general election campaign in recent weeks in which for the first time in which the leaders of the 3 main parties have engaged in live debates. Each leaders has been battling hard to come out on top – in order to get the top job. The way to do this is of course to outdo your opponent – to look more prime ministerial and connect with audience – policy is supposed to have something to do with it too. The way the world works is that role models of our society are not the humble. The people that our society looks up to – sports heroes, actors and actresses, singers, entertainers, politicians – they all tend to have one thing in common: a very high regard for themselves, and a great talent for self-promotion. Sometimes it seems that every time you turn on the television or open a newspaper, all you see and hear is “Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!” Here in Chapter 12 as we are taken into the last week of Jesus life with his entry into Jerusalem we are presented with another model altogether.

The path that Jesus trod was not the one that people who were kings or leaders followed then or now. John is telling us that the eternal Word surprises behaves differently and points to a different way to go about achieving our God intended ends. His example is one we are called to follow. In recent years I have become fond of the description “follower of Jesus” rather than Christian. The latter means so many things to so many people. But following Jesus – that is what we are about. But even that can sound grand. But what does it mean after all? There are the nice things we like – like forgiveness, eternal life etc. But there are also tricky bits too and if we are serious about being his follower we have to take on board the difficult bits as well as accept all the nice bits. John 12 in showing the path of Jesus highlights what some of these might be:

The not-so triumphal entry - humility

The triumphal entry was in fact not so triumphal. It was humble. The Romans would from time to time award to victorious generals a triumph – where they would march into Rome showing the spoils of their victory to the adulation of the crowds. Jesus entry was on a donkey – not a stallion – this was indeed a king but not the kind of king they were expecting. It would be like the Queen coming to Oxford in a humble Ford Fiesta rather than a limousine. Of course the crowds misunderstood the kind of king he was – perhaps they wondered why is he on a donkey after all. There was humility about this: devoid of triumphalism, devoid of show, no strutting. Furthermore Jesus was trying to say I am a king but not the kind you would expect.

What are implications for us? How would this look in our lives? Where are those moments when we are tempted to self importance? To lording it over others? When are we likely to use position or power to intimidate others? Jesus entered humbly – yes he accepted the praise of others – there is nothing wrong with that. He didn't say “You shouldn't have...!”. Similarly we should not be shy about receiving praise from others. Humility is not saying you shouldn't have – but rather it is doing so without it making us arrogant or self important. We are called to follow him. We are called to be like him – not arrogant, lording over others.

I heard of a situation recently when a person who is a Christian and in a higher position than another in an organisation was caught out saying “But we are more important!” Perhaps we could say that following might mean exploiting and advantage that position or power might afford. Not taking the biggest office, or the best parking space etc. Walking humbly is always a challenge. But that has to be our goal. The only problem is that we won;t know we've got it when we have it! The moment we think we have it we know we haven't! As Rick Warren says

So humility doesn’t mean prancing around, saying “I’m the best” on one hand, or moping around, saying “I’m worthless” on the other hand. It means evaluating ourselves with sober judgement, acknowledging our gifts and abilities; but also recognizing that they come from God and are given to us by God to serve one another.

The seed principle – the seed must die

In reply to the question of the Gentiles who sought a meeting with Jesus he gives an inscrutable answer. But I think it ties in here. Like many people who want to meet the latest in-person perhaps they wanted to see Jesus for this reason. Jesus explains that his way is not that of celebrity but it is one where in order to achieve glory – the pathway is to be like that of a seed. A seed must die in order to be fruitful – i.e. it must be buried in order for the life to burst from it. Jesus shows us that before glory there comes suffering, before victory surrender. To be fruitful we have to “die.” Now of course Jesus was speaking of himself. He had to die on order to bring life for the world.

He called us all to follow him. To take up our cross to follow him. Paul spoke about dying daily, dying to self. Before Jesus died physically he had already died to self – in Gethsemane “not my will yours be done.” How are we called to do this? It can happen literally sometimes – but most often it means following God's agenda and plans above our own. That is not easy. We have to work out what that means for us. It may mean working in obscurity, unnoticed, without the recognition we think we may deserve. It may mean doing what we know God wants us to do rather that what we would choose ourselves. Am I willing to follow Jesus if it means I lose? Am I willing to follow if it means someone else might not understand?

Who are we doing it for? - seeking God's approval v.43ff

Jesus also explains that the rejection he faced grew partially from the religious leaders devotion to the praise of others. It is a very human thing – the desire for the affirmation of others. We all like it. That is normal and sensible. Anyone who doesn't like it and constantly seeks the disapproval of others has issues that they probably should seek professional help with! But by the same token we have to be careful, because we all like to hear “well done”, “I approve”, “I agree”. But if we are to follow Jesus then we need to live for another well done, the one that really counts. “Well done thou good and faithful servant!” That will probably mean some plaudits from others but will also mean times when that will not be so – it clearly was with Jesus so why would it be different with others too?

The religious people of Jesus day said they wanted God's approval but he saw through that and saw that they yearned for the approval of their peers. As a result if he said things that resonated with what they knew to be in the Scriptures, to be true to fact as well – many chose to quell such thoughts so as not to lose the approval of others. In doing this they were only going to reject him. The chapter ends with Jesus pointing out that such stubborn refusal to accept him in face of incontrovertible evidence will render us liable to judgement.

But what Jesus says here is truly liberating. In fact the whole chapter shows a pathway to fulfilment that we are not accustomed to. Avoiding pride and strutting, instead laying down our lives for others, living for God's praise – it leads to true fulfilment. It may not be the easiest path, it is not about self-realisation, but being the person God has intended us to be that is the pathway to real fulfilment.

Washing the disciples feet - servant hood

Finally (and we will look at this next week) Jesus at the Last Supper did the job of the least servant. It was the first ans last time he did this – but he did it. He got his hands dirty. What are you not prepared to do for someone else. Maybe some day – some time, we should get our hands dirty and do it.

Conclusion

John is telling us something important about this Word who was made flesh. This one by whom the world was made and who is God in the flesh. He is humble, he is prepared to lay down his life and die, he lives for his Father's approval alone and he is prepared to do the job of the lowliest servant. This is our God. He calls us now to follow him.

Back to top

John's Gospel

Servants

John 13:1-17

Preached on Sunday, 9th May 2010

Introduction

The last few days have seen a great deal of jockeying for position and power. What a contrast to one who had real power and popularity and position. As we saw in chapter 12 Jesus is showing us a different path to glory. One where we are not self important but humble. Were we are prepared to die to self, our own plans if necessary. Where we live for and seek God's approval above all else. This is the way to life, to true fulfilment and the way to follow Jesus. Jn. 13 elaborates with this amazing story of Jesus washing disciples feet at the Last Supper.

The root of this practice appears to be found in the hospitality customs of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were the chief footwear. A typical Eastern host might bow, greet, and kiss his guest, then offer water to allow guest to wash their feet or have servants do it. Cows and sheep were frequently on the streets. Imagine your walking along – and squelch! This was not a nice job! On the other hand it is quite an intimate action – washing between someone's toes – sometimes a wife might wash her husbands feet, or children their parents... The point is if there was to be any foot washing at this meal culturally Jesus should not have done it – it is his feet that should have been washed. The significance of this is brought out by John himself

1. The God who serves

Jesus shows us that God is a God who serves. Where else in world religions would you find such a thing? You couldn't make it up – it is because it is unexpected. People don't invent a God like this. This is a God who reveals himself and we are left in awe. Remember John has told us that Jesus is God in the flesh. What is he like – answer a servant! This is your God. Her shows them the full extent of this love – this refers not only to the events at this supper but what would follow. Because this is all about servanthood. The sone of mand came not to be served but to serve.

But notice this takes place before Judas leaves. This is what God himself is like--he washes feet, even the feet of the one who will betray him! Jesus dies for people who hate him, who deny him, who oppose him – this is our God. John has told us “For God so loved the world.....” Paul expressed this in what many believe to be an early Christian hymn in Phil. 2:5-11 – he humbled humbled and became a servant.

2. Like master like servant

The Philippians passage says “Let your attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus...”. Just as this one tells us that we should emulate his example. That was what we were looking at last time in John 12 – we are followers of him called to do what he does. It is not optional – it is what a Christian is. It is about more than ticking boxes or believing a creed. This faith has feet! But see what is necessary to become like the master:

Personal security -

I am convinced that one of the most crucial factors to affect our relationships, indeed our whole lives is the issue of security. Insecurity is crippling. Insecurity will affect our attitudes adversely. The fact is that insecure people have a chip on their shoulder & everybody knows it. Our families, our colleagues, our employees, our students etc. In Phil. 2 we are told Jesus although he was God did not hold on to his status – he willingly became a servant. He did not think it beneath him. Look here in 13: 3 - he knew who he was & where he was going. That is so key - he was secure in his identity & destiny. This is where our Christian faith helps us as people if we will let it. Because it tells us that we are loved. It tells us our future is guaranteed. An eternity with Christ is in store for us. Grace = “there is nothing we can do to make God loves us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less!” We should be the most secure people on earth. Because we know who we are & where we are going. Are you insecure? Ask someone else to tell you as it is often hard to see it in ourselves!

Jesus was the leader and he served – because he had nothing to prove. He was secure. Insecurity in leaders is a big problem. No doubt I have shown enough of it over the years, we are all insecure in varying degrees. In management it is amazing how much you see this: leaders too proud, to insecure to get their hands dirty, to be seen to be doing this sort of thing; poistion and power means I don't have to do this any more; I will avoid this. Because I can. It is noticed. It can be true in the church too. What about at home.... too many people say I am not doing that, it is not my job etc. Too many insecure men won't do things because it is a woman's job and women because it is a man's. People fall out over such things big time!

No ulterior motive

There are pitfalls to avoid too. Some churches have instituted it as an ordinance. It is usually the job of the leader to do it. Which in the end makes it a way of enhancing one's leadership. So for example if I did it now it could be a way of me looking humble and at the same time identifing my leadership by saying I'm like Jesus (which gives mea a really good excuse not to do it!). Which is exactly the opposite of what Jesus did here. He did the servant's job. So what this means is that we have to find ways of doing things without fuss, ceremony, without drawing attention to it, without trying to appear humble and without enhancing our position – just serving. It may be putting the hoover over at church, it may be giving someone a lift, it may mean doing something for somone at home that you are not expected or asked to do and do it – with no thought of gain, no quid pro quo attached and without complaint.

But at the same time Jesus only did it this once. Another pitfall is to use menial tasks as a screen for not doing something else that we should be doing, things that God wants us to do, things we ought to do and perhaps only we can do. Isn;t it amazing that even in the midst of such love and service the Devil can get in – as he did with Judas here. Never underestimate the power of evil to undermine the most precious and special things. Judas at this point – what he had to do was to reject this thought – yet he went along with disastrous consequences. Temptation is one thing – but he didn't have to and neither do we..

Conclusion

During the American Revolution a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier. their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help them. Asked why by the rider, he retorted with great dignity, "Sir, I am a corporal!" The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers. The job done, he turned to the corporal and said, "Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again." It was none other than George Washington Our Commander-in-Chief has served us – we are called to do likewise. Let's be secure enough to do so. Practically how ready are we to do those tasks that would be commonly regarded as demeaning, beneath us. Somebody else's job. Chapter 12 and into 13 have give us this theme of like servant like master. Let us follow...

Back to top

.

Gospel of John

Love One Another

Jn. 13:18-38

Preached on 16th May 2010

Introduction

For 12 chapters John has told us about this Word made flesh and the kind of things he did. For the next 9 we have the story of last 24 hours and the resurrection that followed. John records what Jesus said to his disciples in that Upper Room. Jesus speaks alomost continually, the disciples are almost stunned into silence as he explains that he is going away and they cannot go with him – yet. The disciples ask the odd question, but Jesus is sharing what he believes to be vital information in this last opportunity before his death. They are full of comfort, hope and challenge. They are among the most profound things recorded anywhere in Scripture. It is often said that John's writing represent the most theologically profound reflections.

Throughout his Gospel John has spoken about glory. At the start he spoke about the glory of Jesus, to Nathanael Jesus tells him they will see his glory. Here jesus speaks about now is the time when he will be glorified and the Father as a result and there is more on this in Jn. 17. Jesus passion was for the glory of God. He wanted God to be glorified. In other words he wanted God to be revealed as he really is. That is what we want. Jesus in his life and death and resurrection did precisely that. We glorify God when he is revealed in us. I am going to make reference when appropriate to Heath. But it strikes me that for those of us who knew him well that he was a man who in lots of ways glorified God – those who attend his funeral will see this – god was revealed through him.

1. A New Commandment – the defining feature

Imagine for a moment you lived on Mars and you were sent to Earth to write a report on Christianity in Britain. What do you think the report might say is the dominant feature or expression of christianity? Might it be meetings? Theology, arguments over morality, buildings, meetings & programmes, evangelism, social action? Jesus said “By this shall all men know...” This is what distinguished Jesus and he commanded that it would be the defining feature of his followers. This new command is at the top of his list. I often think that Christians and the church night have wished Jesus had given us something easier. But Jesus and the New Testament gives us not 10 Commands – but one -He begins with the simplest, clearest and hardest commandment of them all: Love one another. How was it new? Lev.19:18 records the command to love one another. But it is the mode and depth that is significant: “in the same way I have loved you...” wow! How do you do that. It's like the childhood prayer:

Dear God,
I bet it’s very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it.

Yet this is the plan of God. The primary call of Jesus is for us to love each other – Christians loving one another is the main thing. We will come up against this is Jihn 17 – in jesus prayer the night before he dies. What does he pray for his followers? That they would be holy, successful in evangelism – no – but that they would be one, united. It's like what they say about elections “it's the economy stupid..” - well in terms of what Jesus tells us is most important - “It's relationships stupid...”. It is because we were made that way – in God's image. God is a social being – in Trinity, Father, Sdon and Spirit exist in a close relationship. It stands to reason then that the most important thing is how we behave and treat one another. Christians argue over theology, church government, morality – all of which are important – but the most important thing is relationship. Christians have often forgotten, neglected or not properly understood this.

2  What is love?

So what does it mean? Much is made of the differences in Greek words used for love some of which are employed in the NT. I am not sure if we sometimes read a little too much into such distinctions. Jesus speaking to his disciples would have spoken in Aramaic not Greek. It is the example we have “as I have loved you...” that gives us the clue here. To love with a selfless, sacrificial love is the way in which we are called to live. To live being prepared to serve one another. It is about laying down life – action more than a feeling. In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbour act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less."

The famous passage in 1 Cor. 13 where the KJV uses the word “charity” for love (agapao) used to irritate me but I have come to think that is actually a better word in many ways. Love having become associated almost exclusively with feelings. This love is meant to operate however we feel. It is something very concrete, practical. Whoever loves much, does much (Thomas a Kempis). This is another way in which Heath was a great example. He was a man who would do things practically to help. Service is therefore an important part. How can this be expressed? Jesus washed the disciples feet – what is the equivalent of that today? How did jesus feel about Judas who was about to betray him and Peter who would deny him – yet he loved them to the last.

3. Loving God and loving others

The relationship between our love for others and love for God interests me. Jesus didn't mention loving God here, though one would imagine that that is taken as read. But john does explore this in his first epistle. In 4:20 of 1 John, it says, "If any one says, `I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." In other words, religious piety that does not produce practical deeds of love is just empty talk -- or worse than empty. John would say it is a lie. A person who sings, "I love you, Lord..... and shows no love is a liar. His song is a lie.

John is saying the way you treat your visible brother or sister is the proof of whether you really love invisible Father. Is John saying that it is easier to love a brother that you can see than it is to love God whom you cannot see. After all the religious people in Jesus day would have claimed to love God but didn't love others. How is that possible? Is it because many of us love an idea we call God that we have made in our own image – otherwise known as idolatry. Jesus showed ands John tells us “To love God means we love others in whom God has placed his image – marred though it is it is still there.” when we look at each other the image of God is in us – loving God necessarily involves loving his image in others. In some that is easy, in others where that is harder to see it is more difficult.

Or is it merely saying “If you really love God -- if you really rest and delight in all that God is for you, in all his amazing promises, then you WILL love your brother. You will be so full of hope and joy and freedom that you will love to spread the good things of God to as many people as possible. But, there is no way to know whether you really love God since he is not around to see. You can't hug him or bow down in his visible presence or take an order directly from his lips.”

I am not sure – it could be the former. But whatever the greatest sign of faith is love for others believers first and foremost, love for our neighbour will follow soon after.

Conclusion

In 1 cor. 13 Paul defines love like this:

Love never gives up.
    Love cares more for others than for self.
    Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
    Love doesn't strut,
    Doesn't have a swelled head,
    Doesn't force itself on others,
    Isn't always "me first,"
    Doesn't fly off the handle,
    Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
    Doesn't revel when others grovel,
    Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
    Puts up with anything,
    Trusts God always,
    Always looks for the best,
    Never looks back,
    But keeps going to the end.

The Message.

Back to top

Gospel of John

Finding the Way to the Father's House

John 14:1-11

Preached on 30th May 2010

Introduction

In these Upper Room discourse Jesus speaks almost continually, the disciples for the most part are stunned into silence as he explains that he is going away and they cannot go with him – yet. Here in Jn 14 we have some of the most comforting and reassuring of all Jesus words. Jesus is leaving, he has told them about how they will desert him, betray him and deny him. You might think that he ought to upbraid them, but he does not – not even a hint instead his heart is to comfort them. His heart was that they would be neither troubled or afraid. He wanted to reassure them. He spoke to them about his Father house and the way there. The Father's house - The place where God is – heaven we may call it, but it is the kingdom of God – it is here and now as well as in the future. What is the Father's house like? It is a place of blessing, of comfort – it is where the presence of God supports and strengthens. Church is meant to reflect something of that – so that it becomes the Father's house. Jesus shows us what the Father's house is like and how to get there...

The Father's house

Jesus is going away and they are naturally concerned about where he is going. So he tells them he is going to his father's house. Now when we read that we think “heaven”. But Jesus used this phrase in 2:16 where he refers to the Temple. The Temple was where heaven and earth met. Now Jesus hints at a new house, where there will be room for everyone. It has been suggested that the word here "Dwelling place" doesn’t mean a place where you live forever and ever. It means a wayside inn, a nice place to go and be refreshed and rested before you then continue your journey. So, heaven is stage one. There’s nothing wrong with saying you die and go to heaven. It doesn’t stop there.

Western Christians have imagined that, at the end of the day, God is going to throw the present space-time universe into a trash-can and we’ll be sitting on clouds playing harps. The ultimate future that we’re promised is much more interesting than that. It’s new heavens and a new earth with new bodies to live in. The last passage in the Bible is about the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven to earth, not about souls going up from earth to heaven.

Some of us have shed tears for those who have gone to be with the Lord. We look forward to the day when every tear is wiped away. These words are often read at funerals because they are very reassuring. The promise God has room for us in his house. It is further reassurance to us about our future beyond death. That a place is prepared for us – that is meant to give us comfort.

The way to the father's house

These words become controversial in recent times – it has become politically incorrect to claim exclusivity. We lived in an increasingly pluralistic world. Where many believe “all roads lead to God.” These words of Jesus seem to contradict such dogma and Jesus appears to say he alone is the way and there is not other. It accords with the words of the Apostles in Acts 4:12. This claim for exclusivity cannot be avoided. There is no other way. It may not be politically correct, but it is true that the way to God is not the way of Islam, or Buddhism or Judaism, it is Jesus. That is not to say that other religions have no truth in them – they do. In so far as they do then they can point people towards God. It is also a fact that there are Muslims, for example, who are being led by the Spirit to learn more about the prophet they call Isa (Jesus – Jesus is a prophet in Islam) and many are finding their way to Christ. Though many pay dearly for it. We should pray for Muslims who come to Christ for they face fearsome persecution. But Jesus is the Way.

However we should be sensitive how we present this truth, for Jesus statement here is not in the least bit confrontational. Jesus is sighing almost - “Don’t you know Philip that to seem me is to see God, when a person finds the true God he has come through me.” The way in which this truth is presented is often insensitive and arrogant. Note when Paul went to Athens he took a sensitive approach. We can put a slant on things Jesus did not intend. Jesus is saying if you get close to God then you have got there through Jesus because he is the one who is the way, the revelation of God. Some have suggested that there will be others from other religions who have found their way to the Father's house – albeit unwittingly – through Jesus. There are some who claim that there will be some on judgement day who whilst not being formally religious, have nevertheless followed Jesus and therefore have entered through the door that is Jesus. I don't know and I am glad that I am not the judge. I am content to leave such matters to God.

Seeing God

This does not mean that Christians cannot have meaningful dialogue with people of other faiths. Nor does it mean we cannot learn anything from them. What is necessary is not an argument, nor an aggressive approach that denounces the cherished beliefs of others. But rather pointing to the one who claimed such uniqueness. Once again it is all about Jesus. We can point people to Jesus knowing that the way he behaved was humble – he washed the feet of his enemies, laid down his life for those who opposed him and crucified him. We can point to this one who behaved so differently. Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father. I wonder if Jesus sighed at this point. Hasn't he got it yet. He and the Father are one. Seeing Jesus is seeing God. This is my mantra to people who are struggling with the bible, with God, with faith – look at Jesus, read the Gospels, realise he is God in the Flesh, he is the Word, the Word made flesh. If you have any problems getting your head around who God is, what is he like – then weigh them up against Jesus. He is the full revelation in the flesh. The bible is the record of that.

We have to be careful that we reflect who he really is. I was watching TV the other day and there was a feature on the news from Africa and the issue of homosexuality in Africa. Attitudes are very different there. John Simpson commented to a pastor preaching against homosexuality said - “It's been a long time since I've seen so much hate in a church..”. Now I know things can be edited so I am simply making the point. Sin is sin and I am not undermining that – but Jesus heart was different. He did not hate the sinner or make them feel unwelcome or worthless. He reflected God's heart. A heart of love for sinner. People need to know that God loves them. The Father's house is a place where they can feel welcome, unthreatened and though they may be full of sin, there is room now for people to grow and learn. Of course the Father's house we are going will be free from sin and imperfection.

Jesus says he is the truth and the life as well. As I said to someone recently who was very disappointed in a famous Christian's leaders marital problems people can be a let-down Jesus is different. We sing “In Christ alone my hope is found” because we have found his truth is the anchor for our lives, in good times and bad in life and in death. That the Word was made flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. That he lived and died and rose again – that is the life changing truth John is telling us about. A truth that when we believe it and we follow this one of whom he is speaking we find truth we need for life that leads to eternal life, real, lasting life. It is Jesus. That doesn't mean we never get disappointed with God. We may – but we feel disappointed but God hasn't let us down. We just don't understand what's going on - that is what makes us feel like that. But God is faithful.

Conclusion

It is all about Jesus in the end. So many questions arise in life. Some of us have serious questions about why God allows certain things to happen. Unfortunately there are not so many answers. But what we have is Jesus telling us not to fear and be trouble. To trust him.

.Back to top