Sermon Snippet for May 14, 2023

Text:  John 14:15-21

It’s often tempting to take passages of scripture out of context.  The first two verses of today’s reading from John’s gospel is a prime example:  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” (John 14:15-16 NRSV) If we just consider these two verses, Jesus seems to be saying that IF we love him, and IF we keep the commandments, only THEN will we receive the Advocate/Holy Spirit to be with us forever.   Such an interpretation fits really well with the “balance sheet” mentality we human beings so easily default towhere everything’s cut and dried… black and white.

Jesus, however, has something else in mind.  For Jesus, it’s always about the relationship.  When we take these verses and restore them to their proper place in the discussion Jesus is having with his disciples, the meaning is very different.  Something more like:  “BECAUSE you love me, you will keep my commandments, and [because I love you]  I will ask the Father to send you another Advocate to be with you always.”   

Jesus turns our usual way of thinking upside down.  Instead of having to earn our place in Jesus’ inner circle, he gives his all to welcome and love us unconditionally right from the start.  In God’s gift of Holy Baptism, the Holy Spirit comes to us to be with us forever as our Helper, Advocate, and constant companion on the life-long journey of faith.  The obedience that Jesus desires is a direct result of being in a transformative relationship of love and trust – not one of fear or dread.  As we practice living the way of Jesus in the company of other disciples, we find that we also become advocates, helpers, and companions – for each other, and for the world Jesus died to save.  Thanks be to God!  

Sermon Snippet for April 30, 2023 — “Good Shepherd” Sunday

Suggested Reading:  John 10:1-10

The ideal of a self-less shepherd-leader was common across cultures in ancient times and can be found not only in Hebrew writings, but in the 4^th century BCE writings of Aristotle, and in other places as well.  Jesus’ “lofty teaching” therefore, can be applied to religious and political leaders of many times and cultures, including our own.

Modern Americans don’t live under a monarchy, but there are those among us who see themselves as royalty by virtue of the real (or imagined!) power they hold over our society.  They individually or collectively wield power on the basis of financial wealth, personal charisma, intellect, or fear.  Jesus warns us about these individuals or groups – sheep rustlers, if you will – who are up to no good.  They have only their own interests at heart, not the well-being of the whole.  They are thieves, Jesus says, who are only there to steal and kill and destroy.  A true shepherd will care for and build up the WHOLE flock, so that everyone can enjoy more and better life together.  

Jesus’ point is that self-examination on the part of those who want to lead and discernment by those who follow them is required.  Authentic discipleship affects every facet of our daily life.  How can we claim to be “good Christians” on Sunday and then go out and vote on election day for leaders or laws that have only the best interests of some at heart?  We must look beyond what a social or political action group can do for us individually – to ask the broader-reaching questions of the kinds of policies and leaders those groups support.  Will they be “good shepherds”?  

Practicing such discernment enables and empowers us to speak out when a few become rich at the expense of many.  We can weep with and for children who suffer and die at the hands of those who are meant to love them.  We learn to see other “sheep” as Jesus sees them, treating them with compassion and dignity, and holding our elected leaders accountable for doing the same.  We begin to care for the earth, our pasture, in sustainable, life-giving ways.  When our Good Shepherd guides and directs us every day – not just on Sunday – lives are changed, and the world is a better place.