Jesus is in a groove, now. John’s recollection of his farewell discourse is either rather jumpy or otherwise creatively sewn together here. Almost any one of these sentences could go on a t-shirt or poster.
My peace I give you.
He has nothing on me.
Get up. We’re leaving this place.
This last one is interesting, because the very next verse seems to continue Jesus’ talk with the disciples in the same place. It makes us wonder exactly what he might be getting at. Who is “we”? Where is “this place”? Is there meaning here beyond wherever they were eating and having their feet washed?
One thing is for sure: Jesus is resolute. He’s resolute in his love for his disciples, his confidence in what he’s calling them to, and the difficult journey ahead of him as he leads them in the Way.
John 14:27-31
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid. You have heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away and returning to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than me. I have told you before it happens so that when it happens you will believe. I won’t say much more to you because this world’s ruler is coming. He has nothing on me. Rather, he comes so that the world will know that I love the Father and do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up. We’re leaving this place.”
Prayer
God,
I’m grateful for all of the example Jesus gives us of compassion and love.
But today, I’m really drawn to his resolution, his intentionality, and his particular wisdom found in carrying out a mission, all the while maintaining compassion and love.
What an example…Lord, we need such character today. Leaders of all sorts - political and ecclesial alike - are hanging on to power, thinking they know what is best for the whole without really thinking of it.
Help us on the sidelines to maintain character, God. Help us see Jesus on the margins, sitting with people no one else sees whilst the institutional game is on, in full attention of the masses.
Keep us sweet, as Jesus, even as we seek to be a part of his great plan.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.