Unveiling the Relationship at the Heart of Jesus’ Words

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!  

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