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Sunday May 2, 1999 ~
Fifth Sunday of Easter
John 14:1-14
A Family ResemblanceFocus Text: Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?" [John 14:9]
When my oldest son was born, the doctor came out to the father's waiting room (yes, it was the "old days") and said to me, "You sure won't be able to deny that boy! Congratulations on your new son." When I got that first look at him, I thought, "Man, stick a cigar in that kid's mouth and you've got my dad!" The family resemblance was strong.
All of us have characteristics that are shared by our family. You've heard phrases like, "The "Smith nose," "the Robinson ears," or "the Windsor chin." In fact, family medical history is important for our personal well being. We know now that there is a family resemblance in our physical makeup that can be determinative of what illnesses we are likely to get and even how long we might live. I used to work out at a health club with a friend who seemed to me to be a bit of a fanatic with his running. When I asked him about it, he replied, "No male in my family has made it past 60 without a heart attack!"
Contrast that with the lively 82 year old woman who couldn't stay for coffee after church because she always drove out to the county to visit her 101 year old mother for their weekly chess game! Family resemblance can be a blessing or a burden, depending upon which resemblance we're talking about.
But, family resemblance is much more than physical characteristics isn't it? We tend to have behavioral and emotional characteristics we share. I corrected a young lad for punching another boy at a picnic and a fellow standing next to me said, "He's just a chip off the old block." I must have looked a bit lost because he smiled and said, "That's my boy." He was proud of the kid and without betraying too much unkindness on my part -- upon closer examination, I would like to have said, "Yes, I can see that!"
A child who grows up in a family where little emotion is expressed and few hugs are exchanged will have difficulty showing affection. When affection flows freely in a home, the children of that home will show and desire affection. Families where two parents are involved in the work and worship of their church, have children who become active participants in the family of faith.
In other words, "family resemblance" has to do with the ways people who are related to each other share similar emotional, social, physical, intellectual and spiritual characteristics.
The Family of Christ
The point is that Jesus has gathered his followers for this last Passover together to give some crucial, final instructions for their life together when he leaves. They are to have a family resemblance to him and to the Father who has sent him. And family they are!
These are the people who left career and family behind to follow him. In spite of the hostility and rejection he promised would come their way, they are bound together. They are children of God and "friends" of Jesus -- who is the Christ -- the Messiah. (See John 1:12 & 15:14) They have had quarrels and difficulties along the way, but now -- they would have to "get it together" for the long haul. They would have to develop a strong resemblance to him and to the God who had sent him. In fact, the startling thing about his words to them had to do with what it was they would accomplish when he was gone. They would be a part of doing even greater things than he did.
That all sounds fine and dandy until we get to the realization that this means you and me -- the faith family of Jesus Christ today are expected to do greater things than Jesus did when he was here in the flesh!
Why?
Because we are the family of Christ. Because we bear a "family resemblance" to Christ if we are truly his children. The gospel reading today reveals four family characteristics that bind us together as brothers and sisters in Christ. These four things are the basis of what you and I are called to be in this world.
Before we actually explore these characteristics of our family resemblance to Christ, I want to set something before you to get your attention. I want to ask you if you don't find three of Jesus' assertions to be quite radical -- in fact, hard to believe. Listen to what he has to say about people who believe in him:
"You will do the works that I do!"
"You will do greater works than I do!"
"I will do whatever you ask in my name!"
Does this strike you like it does me? This is heady stuff! I look around and want to ask if you were aware of these things in a personal kind of way. Let me press this a bit further by personalizing Jesus' statements.
Bob, did you know Jesus said you would do the deeds he did?
Donna, are you aware that Jesus said you would do greater deeds than he did?
Gordy, do you understand that Jesus promised that he would do anything you asked in his name? (Here comes your prayer for that Porsche you always wanted huh?)
These things are so revolutionary and potentially earth shaking -- you have to conclude that either this was all one giant illusion or Christianity as you and I know it has been severely tamed! I do not recall who it was that said taking these teaching of Christ seriously is like rewiring an old house without turning off the main. The only alternative, however, is to do without electricity.
As we turn back to the powerful and intimate words of Jesus to his followers on that last evening of his earthly freedom, we encounter the essence of the family resemblance we share with Christ. We share: a common promise, a common perspective, a common purpose and a common power. Jesus says, "If you will trust me -- believe in me, I will make a promise to all of you, give you shared perspective about reality, a purpose for your living, and I will give you the means to make it all happen!"
A Common Promise (vv. 1-4)
In the midst of their greatest crisis together as teacher and disciples, Jesus says, "Don't let your hearts be troubled." The problem with his followers wasn't grief, but distress. They were agitated and disturbed because Messiah was talking about betrayal and arrest and death. It was supposed to have been victory, celebration and a kingdom.
The promise Jesus gave to them (and to us) was that what he and they were about to endure was not the end at all, but a new beginning. Their destiny was forever bound with him. Beyond the experience of rejection and crucifixion was resurrection and a crown. Not only that, he would still come to them and guide them to where he was. The promise they shared is the common treasure of all of his followers of all time. This promise binds us together -- then and now. It will bind our children and grandchildren to us and to the whole communion of saints. It is a foundation for the joy that is one of the characteristics of our family of faith.
A Common Perspective (vv. 5-9)
Jesus assures his distressed disciples that they know the way to the place he is going. Thank goodness for Thomas who asks the question the others might be afraid to ask. (Everyone is afraid of being the class "dummy") "Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"
They don't have to worry or wonder. They don't have to spend their lives searching for truth or life. It is right before them. "I am the way, the truth and the life," Jesus says. To follow Christ is to travel a path that leads to the presence of God.
Philip has a great idea. "Lord show us the Father and we will be satisfied." Maybe you're thinking, "Who wouldn't!" Wouldn't it be great if we had proof? If we could literally see God? That would put an end to all wishing and wondering and waiting.
Jesus then gives the second shared characteristic of the family of faith. In Jesus Christ we see the Father. "When you see me," Jesus says, "You've seen the Father."
Astounding! The affirmation of intimacy between Jesus and God is so powerful and so unique as to bring the world to its knees in worship or to its feet in indignation. In our family -- the family of faith -- we worship! We share a common perspective. In Jesus Christ we see God.
A Common Purpose (vv. 10-12)
A third family resemblance we share is in our purpose as Christian people. Our purpose is to do the work of Christ. That's a truism. Nothing new here.
However, the point Jesus makes in our scripture is that we are to do the works that Christ did. Understood as "deeds" -- the text means we are to do the deeds that Christ did. Jesus said that if the disciples believed in him, they would do exactly that.
So will we work miracles? Confound the laws of nature?
Some years ago a mystical teacher in California with a following of wealthy folk actually began to buy his own exalted teachings. He gathered the flock around the pool at the home of one of his followers He had announced to them that they had come to a spiritual position that would make it possible for him to walk on water. When the appointed time came, they gathered in expectation and silence. "You must meditate with all your strength and believe with all your heart," he enjoined them.
He bowed his head in silent meditation and the people waited on the edge of their seats until the teacher looked up to the heavens. All seemed to be holding their breath as he stepped from the side of the pool.
And sank like a rock!
Sputtering and fuming, he pulled himself to the edge of the pool and red faced, shook his finger at the people angrily yelling, "You did not have enough faith!"
Jesus never told his followers to put on a show or turn spiritual power into showmanship. The key to all his deeds -- including his miracles -- always had the purpose of bringing glory to God. He promised his disciples that they would bring "greater glory" to God than even he had done. Indeed this was their purpose. Over the course of the centuries, this has without doubt included deeds that would likely be called miracles.
Here's how we can tell if we are on target with our purpose of doing the works of Christ and bringing glory to God. If our life causes people to say, "Isn't she -- or he -- wonderful," we missed the boat. If the deeds cause people to say, "Isn't God wonderful," we're on the money!
A Common Power (vv.13-14)
The last two verses of our text are the centerpiece of what it means to bear a family resemblance to Jesus Christ. We share a common power -- namely, the power of prayer. There is an old saying that "prayer can do anything God can do." The rationale for that saying must certainly be these worlds of Jesus. "I will do whatever you ask in my name..."
While I was a seminary student, I worked with an older pastor whose wisdom I appreciate more with every passing day. He is gone now, but many of his statements remain with me. I recall asking him about these very words of Jesus, "Do you really think these words are true?"
"I don't know," he said. I must have given a puzzled look, because he continued, "I don't know many people who have really tried them." He explained further that he thought praying in the name of Jesus was praying in the spirit and with the heart of Jesus in such a way that the glory of God was the highest joy an answer to prayer could bring.
And so I wonder. Is perhaps the greatest family resemblance we share one that is yet untapped potential? Is it possible that we share a common power that could change our world if only we developed -- and applied it?
May God give us an answer to that question in our lifetime -- in our life together -- in our family of faith.
The Gospel of John reading for today contains one of the most familiar verses in the New Testament in 14:6. Our sermon for today looks more at what it is Jesus asks of his followers rather than what the followers ask of Jesus.
John 14:-14 is a part of the amazing "Upper Room Discourse of John 13-16. Nowhere is there a more concentrated gathering of the things Jesus really wants us to "get." This in a sense is his "Last Will and Testament" to his followers and indeed to us. The issue of our "family resemblance" to Jesus and "The Father" is crucial to living the life of faith. In a sense the entire Upper Room discourse is about our "family resemblance" to Christ. We are currently working on a study outline for John 13-16 which will be posted on our site for subscribers sometime during the summer months.
v.1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled"... is sometimes interpreted in the sense of grief as though Jesus were telling the disciples not to grieve. The word for "troubled," however, is [tarassw - tarasso] which is not a sentimental term but one meaning " disturbed, or agitated. They were disturbed and agitated at the events that were taking place and Jesus' continuing discussion of his coming death.
v.6 "I am... no one comes to the Father but by me." This bring us face to face with what has been called the "scandal of particularity". Is there no spiritual truth outside of Christianity and no possibility of redemption outside of Christian confession? Or, on the other, hand is all spiritual truth -- truth indeed, as long as it is sincere? Some suggest that the passage might be translated as, "I am a way..." But this is unsupported by the text and undone by, "No one comes..." Gail R. O'Day in her commentary on this passage in the NIB: Vol.9 (p.743) does a fair job of softening the seeming extreme exclusiveness of the passage, but displays a bit of a problem with the "scandal". "These (words) are seen by others as embarrassingly exclusionary and narrow minded, and they are pointed to as evidence of the problems inherent in asserting Christian faith claims in a pluralistic world." (vol.9, p.743) She quotes Paul Minear's suggestion that when Jesus says "no one comes to the Father..." he means "none of you comes..." In other words, this was Jesus talking to these disciples in this context in the first century -- he did not propose a sweeping exclusive world religion.
In spite of some impressive attempts to "soften" the "scandal" -- the language and intent of the Fourth Gospel do not seem to us to allow for removal of the scandal. That the Word should become flesh in this particular person in the first century in Palestine is a radical claim to make. While the issue of condemnation of all non-Christians should by now be mollified by significant and responsible Christian scholarship -- the issue remains that there will always be an edge to the claim that "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself." Nothing we have seen even comes close to requiring that the Great Commission of Matthew 28:16-20 can now be rescinded.
v.12 "...do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these..." It would be profitable to examine the concept of "works" and "works of God" in the gospel of John. Although Paul affirms that we are saved by grace and not by works, it is important to understand that this does not diminish the central role "works" has in John. Indeed these works include everything from giving life, (5:20-21) to believing that Jesus is Messiah, (6:28) to giving sight to the blind, (9:3) to evidence of who Jesus is. (14:10-12) A study of these passages could yield an alternative meditation along the line of "What does it mean to work the works of God? Verse 12 implies that we will indeed do these works and "greater works".
Acts 7:55-60 Provides an example of what "family resemblance is about. Stephen is very much like Christ in his commitment to God at the hour of his death and in the forgiveness he offers even as his life is taken. His life finally backs up his witness.
When Stephen enters the greatest crisis of his life, he receives, strength, vision and the heart of Christ. "Being filled with the Spirit..." It is not as though he had been without the Spirit -- now he receives a special infusion of "spirit power". Luke earlier recorded Jesus' promise that his followers would receive the words to speak when they were brought before the Jewish leaders. (Luke 12:11) Stephen receives a vision of the Risen Christ standing at the right hand of God. (Some have noted that Jesus, in his eschatalogical saying, spoke of the Son of Man "sitting" at the right hand of God. (Mt. 26:64 and Mk. 14:62) Here, for the first Christian martyr, Jesus is standing! Standing in honor of Stephen's extraordinary committment perhaps?
1Peter 2:2-10 Includes the theme of "witness". God is building up this "spiritual house" and "royal priesthood" to bear witness to the "mighty acts" of God. The issue of "once you were not a people" points again to the family of faith. Whereas we once did not belong to the family of God, we are now children who have received mercy.
A Life Fulfilled ~ Acts 7:55-60
It may not seem like Stephen's life was fulfilled. He suffered an untimely death at what surely was a young age. In contemporary terms, we might not see fulfillment in his life at all. Yet, in terms of the values and promises of Christ, Stephen experienced a wonderful fulfillment. If this passage does anything, it can point us to values and meaning which are counter-cultural. [ Losing our life we find it, praying for our enemies we find the heart of God, giving ourselves to the Spirit, we see the Lord. ]
The fulfillment in Stephen's life is seen in:
A Promise Fulfilled: (vv.55-56)
Suffering the ultimate penalty, Stephen is granted a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He sees the glory of God. In John 17: 24, Jesus prayed that his disciples might see the glory he shares with the Father. This vision eases the trauma Stephen experiences. This is an encouragement that the Spirit of God is able to minister to us in even the most traumatic of times. We may not experience what Stephen did -- but God's awareness of and presence in our trials makes for peace.
A Prediction Fulfilled: (vv.57-58)
Jesus had said that the world would hate those who love him. (John 15:18-21) Stephen's message stirs up hatred in the hearts of those who do not want to hear this message of redemption. John's passage points to the clash between "the world" and the children of God. It is not so much Stephen, but the message that is hated. Yet this is a "God-given" message. Amazingly, Paul is at the very least a part of Stephen's murder -- if not a key player! In the eternal view of things, Stephen's martyrdom may have brought about a fulfillment of the gospel that he could not possibly have seen. Is it not true that our faithfulness to God does not always carry with it assurance of present verification -- but we must never doubt the fact that faithfulness always brings glory to God.
A Purpose Fulfilled: (vv.59-60)
Jesus told his disciples that they would "be his witnesses" beginning right here in Judea where Stephen gave up his life. As Stephen was faithful to becoming a witness of Christ, so he was given the character of Christ in his final life's actions. His words of forgiveness are almost parallel to the words of Jesus in Luke 23: 34 & 46. In Colossians 1:27 Paul notes that it is Christ within us that is the "hope of glory." In his final actions, Stephen takes on the character of Christ and inherits the glory of Christ. His life is fulfilled in the most complete spiritual sense.
You might conclude this meditation with some examination of how this view of fulfillment clashes with our understandings of fulfillment and success.
***
Additional Homiletical Possibilities
1 Peter 2:5 provides an interesting possibility. "Like living stone, let yourselves be built..." The passive sense here suggests that we mortals can not build the kingdom / the church. It is the Spirit who builds us into the family of Christ. We are to long for the pure milk (of the word) -- calls to mind St. Paul's comments in Rom.12:1-2 about being transformed by the renewing of our minds. This also is in the passive mode. In other words -- we need to be "reprogrammed" if we are to truly understand God's intent for our lives and for our world.
Authentic vitality in the family of faith -- the church -- is dependent upon our surrendering our personal agendas and egos -- so that God may shape us into the "temple" that will call the world to worship. As a "chosen race" and "royal priesthood" -- the life of Christ within our surrendered lives will provide the witness that calls the world to belief.
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Acts 7:55-60 What does it mean to be "filled with the Spirit?" Stephen's experience makes it clear that "witness" is one clear function of the Spirit. Conviction in the face of trial is another. The Spirit of God gives us; vision of Christ, ability to undergo trial, the ability to live out the character of Christ -- even in the midst of persecution and death.
A Call To Worship (Based on Psalm 31:1-16)
Leader: In you alone, O Lord, do we
find refuge,
People: Come to us today and hear our prayers.
Leader: Lead us and guide us,
People: And protect us from all evil.
Leader: Many are the pitfalls that can lead us astray,
People: But we commit our lives into your hands;
Leader: Therefore we are glad and rejoice in your love!
People: Shine upon us and save us by your unfailing love!
A Prayer Of Dedication
We bring these gifts, the fruit of our labors,
and commit then into your
hands, O God. O transform our offerings into ministry that will bring
glory to your holy name. Amen.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
All glory, praise and honor we give to you, O
Lord of life. Through the trials
and terrors that are the lot of humankind, you are steadfast in your love and
mercy. In the darkest of times you are the overcoming light that shines.
When all else has failed and help can not be found, you are present to receive
our lives into your hands. O save us Lord and guide us in the ways we should
go. May your name at last be glorified, and your unbounded love be praised
in heaven and on earth. Amen.