Our scripture this week is John 14:1-14.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 14:1-14
Jesus has much to tell us in this week’s lesson – that He is returning to the Father, that there is a place for us and we are called to the same relationship with God, and that we will carry on His work. This is a bit much for us to take in, but Jesus says not to worry, and promises what we ask in His name will be done.
We worry about things constantly, sometimes needlessly, and this often prevents us from doing something about them. Jesus said “do not let your hearts be troubled” assuring us of God’s love and mercy (v. 1). We are called to a wonderful ministry of care for each other through our relationship with God, following the example Jesus gave us.
Jesus told us to ask for help when we need strength, that “I will do whatever you ask in my name” (v. 13). He has the power and we may call on Him when we are in need. We can go into the world to share His love knowing that He has blessed us and promised us a place in His kingdom.
Gracious God, You have called us to be part of Your work to reach all people. Help us to be the strong but gentle way of change, that the world may return to You. Amen.