Sermon - 2020 - 05 - 17

Today, Jesus tells his disciples that if they love him they will keep his commandments. However, in this passage, we are not told what that commandment is.  It is in the previous chapter, where we have Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, serving them and cleaning up the very filth that many would regard as below them and for a slave to handle.  Jesus demonstrates and tells them of the love that he has for them.  Jesus goes on and tells the disciples that they should go out into the world and the people of the world will know they are his disciples because of their love.  

Whenever I hear this account I am always reminded of the Christian hymn, “They will know we are Christians by our Love.”  (sing a verse)  This song reminds me of the community and purpose of our calling as a church and as people in the world.  Over and over again, the disciples and even us hear this calling, and yet it is something that we struggle with applying and give to others within our life.  

This word love though is something that we can often glisten over and not even realize the depth and full meaning of this calling.  Love is something that is often dramatized, idealized, and placed upon a pedestal that we are constantly longing for but never seem to achieve.  Jesus places the love in the midst of the disciples and the very community that he is in.  Love is something then that takes on someone else’s problems, someone else’s fault, and someone else’s gifts declaring that these things are becoming part of my life because I want you part of my life.  Jesus in his demonstration to the disciples and his words, speaks volumes to the disciples in giving them the example of embracing someone in their greatness and the poo, muck, and junk that is also in their life.  

For many of us, we are finding ourselves in close quarters with loved ones for extended amounts of time.  Our nerves are getting frayed and we are longing for peace and quiet.  The house seems so small because in every room there is a person, a noise and a project that needs to be done.  However, I am reminded of others when I am visiting with those who do not have anyone to share their space with, that they would give anything to have the joyous laughter of a child, the presence of someone else’s love, and the ability to share their own journey with others.  Yes in both instances, the grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence, until you realize a different kind of manure that is being used to make that grass a different shade of green. 

Jesus goes on to declare that he is leaving the disciples but that they will not be left alone, the Advocate, the Holy Spirit shall come to lead and guide them.  Now, this sounds great, but the track record of the disciples was not great before with Jesus standing right there, telling them the same lesson over and over.  What is a spirit, something that people can not see or hear directly but will somehow guide them in these lessons and guide them in their life?  How is that supposed to work?   

Remember that community that we mentioned before, the one with gifts, faults, and shortcomings?  That community will be important because it is through the work of the Holy Spirit and this community people gathered together focused on the love of God and love of one another that we embrace the problems and joys that we share with one another.   This is the place where we find ourselves, sharing the journey of life and faith