Sunday 18 May 2014

Background

The familiar words from John 14 are frequently heard atfunerals, offering, as they do, words of hope and encouragement tothose who are left behind. During this part of his farewelldiscourse, Jesus addresses the disciples' fears as they face hisimminent departure, and he prepares them to live with each other inthe world. Far from being abandoned, he reassures them that a placeis prepared for them and they already know the way there. A room iswaiting for them in God's house. Indeed, through Jesus they nolonger have to travel, and they no longer have to wait: "If youknow me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know himand have seen him" (v. 7). Jesus is not just a guide to salvation:he is the source of life. The section is framed by commands tobelieve in God and believe in Jesus.

Too often loss comes upon us unexpectedly, and the pain can cutus deeply. We may have little time to prepare and, instead, findourselves fearful and confused. In our grief, we may feel alone andabandoned. When a companion is no longer walking by our side, orwhen something that gave us a rhythm or purpose in our daily lifedisappears, it is easy to lose our bearings and stumble,disorientated, into each day. The world looks very different whenwe are suddenly on our own, missing that which is familiar orfacing sudden change and concern about the future.

Like the first disciples, we are urged to believe in God andbelieve in Jesus. For, through God's gracious love in Jesus, thereis a place for us.

To Ponder

• In times of pain and loss, what helps you to believe and trustin God through Jesus?

• What other words from the Bible help to give you hope andcomfort?

• What does the promise of a room in the Father's house mean toyou?