Be inclusive...isn't that what we hear so much of today? Clearly, today's reading is counter-culture. We read of another "I AM." And it is an exclusive one too! These verses are difficult in our world and culture because Jesus makes it clear that there is no other way to the Father except through Jesus, the Son. God's Word divides the world into 2 groups of people: those who believe, and those who do NOT believe. There is no middle ground. There is no compromise. Is this scary? Yes! Is this hard? Absolutely! Is it true? You'd better believe it! Continue to speak the truth to yourself and your loved ones about who Jesus is and then ask, do you believe? This passage is overflowing with peace and comfort and inclusive for those of us who believe.This chapter is etched with our motifs of truth and life and belief - peace, help, and comfort. If you have never memorize this chapter, it would be a good choice.
Jesus teaches about the person and work of the Holy Spirit beginning in verse 12. Before that, however, Jesus talks about heaven and His return to heaven after the resurrection (1-3) and about the Son's relationship to the Father (5-11). The literary discourse is called the "farewell" - in which Jesus (the leader) addresses His followers on the eve of His death. Motifs of the section are as follows:
1. Speaker's announcement of imminent departure
2. Listener's sorrow and speaker's words of comfort
3. Speaker's directive to keep God's commandments and love each other
4. Prediction of what will happen to listeners in the future
5. Invocation of peace upon the listeners
6. Naming of a successor (Holy Spirit)
7. Concluding prayer for followers
Again, if you need to split up the reading for young children throughout the day, please do! There are many songs listed today. I try to sing a song about heaven with the children every day. I think it is important for us to keep heaven on the forefront of our minds so that we may be of earthly good!
No comments:
Post a Comment