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Let me know what you think. The church Email is: SLUMC@att.net, Phone: 480.895.8766

May 5, 2002
Sermon: "Jesus Bids Farewell"
Text:John 14:15-21
Reverend Larry Gerber

Background
Jesus' promise to his disciples of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, John 14:15-21, is part of the very long "Farewell Discourse(s)" Jesus offered his disciples prior to his arrest, crucifixion and resurrection in the fourth gospel (John 13:31-17:26). This series of parting instructions and exhortations, set in the context of Jesus' last supper with his disciples and interrupted by periodic exchanges and actions between Jesus and his disciples, constitutes John's unique summary presentation of the mystery of divine incarnation. The role of the Holy Spirit in that mystery is the focus of today's lesson.

A number of unique ideas and expressions occur in John's gospel, including Jesus' phrase "my commandments" (v. 15). Only in John's gospel do we hear of new commandments coming from Jesus, and only in the farewell discourses (here, 14:21 and 15:10). The summary of these commandments is found at the beginning of the farewell discourses (13:34): "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another." This summary is repeated later in the discourses (15:12), as "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." "My commandments," "new commandment" and "my commandment" are all unique to John's gospel. The close connection between love and keeping Jesus' commandments, while unique to John, is deeply rooted in the religious tradition of Israel, which forms the background of John's gospel . The cornerstone of Jewish belief and practice, the Shema, contains the command: "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:5). This fundamental idea of Judaism formed the basis of Jesus' ministry and teaching, as evidenced in his reply to the question of the greatest commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment" (Matthew 22:37-38; cf. 1 John 5:3). Acts of charity, such as those displayed by the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), represent the keeping of Jesus' new commandment of love.

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As we talked last week about Jesus being The compass, todays lesson reminds us of the fact that Jesus did not leave his disciples without providing guidance for living in a world of hostility and fear. What he taught us is not only reinforced by Scripture, but by simply looking around us - Todays scripture lesson picks up two themes: the quality of obedience, and the comfort the Holy Spirit will bring.

Last week I spoke on Jesus as the focal point, or the compass that points to God and The Kingdom. Two persons approached me this week, in direct response to that message. I will share a portion of those stories in just a moment. But first, let's look at the church in general.

The church might be stronger if it were full of Dog Christians - people who are unwaveringly committed to Jesus Christ and who allow the Spirit to work through them to bring comfort and joy to others, as a dog does with his or her master.

The patient, whom we'll call Hazel, entered UCLA Medical Center for quadruple-bypass surgery. Since being moved into ICU, she had barely moved, or even opened her eyes. It had been days now, and volunteer Betty Walsh was getting concerned. The situation was getting desperate. She decided to call in a member of the canine candy-striping corps.

The new staffer, a pet-partner, if you will, arrived moments later. Koyla, a 145-pound shaggy white Great Pyrenees, crawled right up on Hazel's hospital bed and snuggled in beside her. There she lay beside her patient, nuzzling her warm and furry body in next to Hazel, who hadn't twitched a muscle for days. Betty and the other nurses gathered around to watch, tense and concerned.

Then, they detected movement. Hazel's hand came alive. It wasn't long until her hand was inching toward the dog. She began to stroke its fur. Within minutes she was smiling and talking, calling the huge dog her friend.

Betty stood close by and monitored her vital signs. The blood pressure monitor began to go down, down, down to normal levels.

What is it about dogs that evokes such a positive response? How are they able to provide such comfort and reassurance? Therapy Dogs International screens dogs for personality, obedience and training and provides certification for more than 4,500 pet partners who provide service for 350,000 patients in the United States. Whatever it is, we know that dogs demonstrate loyalty and obedience, and offer comfort and a sense of well-being.

The point? Perhaps we should try a little harder to be more lowyal and obdeient to God in our lives. The marks of a godly disciple are clearly enumerated in the text:"If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (14:15). The disciple is also on the receiving end of the Holy Spirit's (here called the Advocate) comforting and reassuring presence. "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever" (14:16). He also reminds the disciples that "I am coming to you."

If we were to have the kind of ministry in our churches, homes, schools and communities that pet partners have in hospitals, what could that look like? What would be living in faithful obedience to the will of God, and a willingness to "come" to the side of others as their Advocate mean in the lives of those around us?

In the three years the disciples traveled with Jesus, they had incredible experiences together and learned a lot. They had learned something about love, about faith, about affirmation, about friendship, about ministry, about eating together, about acceptance, about patience and humility. Now, as Jesus prepares to leave them, he reminds them of what is truly important. He places value on obedience, and he reminds them of the central role the Holy Spirit will play in their lives after he is physically gone from their presence.

Consistently more humble, more loving, more grateful, more joyful, more kindhearted. Which should compel us to vow to be a better Christian.

This week, a lady approached me, put her hands on my shoulders, looked me straight in the eye, and said, "You got to me today". She focused on Jesus as the Compass, and realized in her own heart that she had to do something: she heard the words: obedience, humble, loving, greatful, kindhearted. The question was: "What can I do to show my love and appreciation for God and for Jesus Christ. I have had a good, succesful life........" She has an item of some worth. She is either going to sell it, and give the proceeds to the church, or she will give it to us for a sealed bid auction. She said that she had to do it in thanks for all He has done for her.

An other individual came to our church, with his wife, as a first time visitor. With his permission, I share this story: He has a home in another state, as well as here in Sun Lakes. He has always admired this church from a distance, feeling unworthy of entering, but feeling a sense of peace radiating from the church. He came last Sunday, knowing that he was in for major surgery, and that his earthly life is possibly nearing its end. He came in search of a spiritual fullfilment, before it is too late., sondering if he were a hypocrate. Should he even ask for a spiritual well-being. Would God see him as one worth saving?

We had a long talk about commitment, about wheather it is ever too late to receive salvation, am I a hypocrate for wanting this at the last hour, etc.

I reminded him of Jesus and the thief on the cross...remember me when you enter your kingdom......Jesus said.....today you will be with me in paradise. I then told this man that he would be a hypocrate, if he did not seek salvation, knowing that it was available. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he announced his belief in God the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit. I then told him that he was a Christian. His next question was: "How do I become a United Methodist? What do I need to do to join this church. It has been here for me from a distance. I was compelled to come here today to give thanks for this institution and the people here." After the hour of worship, I left with a sense of spiritual fullness and thankfulness, he said. He wasn't sure if he had done all he should to be accepted, and came to ask what more he should do.

I again said, that if he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and if he was ready to support the church with his presence,prayers, gifts, and service, he would be a member. He and his wife answered in the affirmative, and are members..

He then said: "In my condition, I am facing radical surgery, and will not be much good as far as offering talent and service. I will attend as I am able, and I will pray daily, but one thing I can do, and have to do is support this church with my gifts, I have been a succesful businessman, and have more than enough financial support. I want to thank this church for its spiritual guidance and offering me salvation. Your church was here for me when I needed it the most. My wife and I would like to gift the church with this check of $30,000. I need to leave my mark of thanksgiving for all that God has done for me, and for a message of love and compasion when I needed it the most."

As we go to communion, what do you bring to the table in the form of your presence, your service, your gifts, and your talents. What do you need from the table. Is Jesus your compass, pointing to eternity? Are you facing the right direction, are you on the right path. The gift of money is only one of the four things requested, if you love Him. Jesus said: "Love the Lord your God with all our heart, mind, and soul....and love your neighbor.....

Come to the table,,,,,,,offer what you need to offer..........ask for what you need,,,,,,and received the love Jesus with open arms, as we continue to build the spiritual, as well as the physical church

Let me know what you think. The church Email is: SLUMC@att.net, Phone: 480.895.8766