Loving God, by the power of your Spirit, help us to understand your word for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

            The gospel of John is chock full of metaphors and misunderstandings.  Jesus talks about being born anew, and Nicodemus thinks about climbing back into the womb in order to be born again.  Jesus talks to the woman at the well about giving her living water, and she wonders where his bucket is.  And then there are all of the metaphors that are used to describe Jesus – like, the Word that was with God at the beginning, or the light of the world, or the bread of life.  These are all things that are true – but not literally true.

         Last week, we heard Jesus say, “I am the gate,” and today Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn. 10:9; 14:6) – more metaphors for us to unpack!  Once again, there is misunderstanding, as well as a number of words and phrases that have multiple meanings.  When Thomas asks where Jesus is going and how they can know the way, he is thinking about a literal road or path and a literal place.  And, when we hear today’s gospel, we tend to think of the way to get to heaven.

         However, what if Jesus wasn’t talking about that at all?  What if God’s house is right here, and there is a place here for each of us?  What if this is where Jesus is, showing us what God is like, drawing us into community, and teaching us his way of life?

         The place where Jesus is going certainly could be heaven, but it could also be simply in the presence of God.  And, since God is actually everywhere, limiting heaven to a particular location is simply how our earth-bound minds work.  In the same way, God’s house is not limited to any one place or time.  It is true to say that this is God’s house, and that the Temple in Jerusalem was God’s house, and that the heavenly Jerusalem is God’s house.  It is also true to say that we are God’s house – built of living stones (1 Pet. 2).  Are you thoroughly confused yet?

         In a similar vein, the way can be a road or a path to get somewhere, but it can also be a way of life.  It is a way of life that is learned from Jesus, and that takes place in community with others and reflects the abundant life that Jesus brings.  This communal emphasis is suggested by the very first words in today’s gospel.

         It is one of those cases where it is difficult to translate the Greek meaning into English.  The version we heard today reads, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (Jn. 14:1).  However, in Greek it is “your heart.”  “Your” is plural, and “heart” is singular, and so the wording actually suggests that those who follow Jesus share one heart.  There’s one more image to blow your mind!  And then we come to the part about doing even greater works than Jesus.

         Philip, it seems, is looking for satisfaction: “show us the Father, and we will be satisfied” (Jn. 14:8).  However, is the Christian life about satisfaction, or holy action? (sundaysandseasons.com).  When Jesus speaks about doing the works that he has done, he is not just referring to miracles or healing people.  While the Holy Spirit can, indeed, do these things through God’s people, there are many other things that could be considered part of the “works” of Jesus.

         As believers, we are called to welcome outcasts and sinners, to forgive, and to reveal God in what we say and do.  We are called to offer loving service to God and to others and to treat all people as valuable in God’s sight.  We are called to focus on the most important commandments (to love God and one another), and to refrain from judging by appearances.  We are called to compassion, sharing, and grace, rather than long lists of rules.  All of these things are part of living the way and the truth and the life that was initiated by Jesus.

         In addition, when we actually live out the way of Jesus, people might see Jesus in us, just as people could see God the Creator in Jesus.  This only happens when we allow the Holy Spirit to be at work in us, for none of us are able to live in the way of Jesus all by ourselves.  This is why Jesus talked about going to his Father, for it was only after his ascension that the Holy Spirit could come with power, doing greater works than Jesus himself, through believers all over the world.

         Meanwhile, it is entirely likely that some of you would rather think about heavenly dwelling places than about dwelling places that are right here, as we worship.  However, faith in Jesus is never only about the life to come.  Those who believe in Jesus continue his work here on earth, for so many have never encountered the God who loves us.  And so, do not let your heart be troubled.  Welcome the Holy Spirit, and live in the way of Jesus, who is the way and the truth and the life.  Amen.

Easter 5(A)                                        John 14:1-14

May 7, 2023

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison

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