Thursday 31 August 2023

 Psalm 111

Background

When I am involved in media training for faith leaders, I often point out the importance of the soundbite. Some more intellectual types are suspicious of such short pithy phrases, thinking that they do not have enough subtlety and nuance to convey important messages. But I point out that Jesus was actually rather good at them – a pioneer of the soundbite – centuries ahead of his time: “Turn the other cheek!” “Pay unto Caesar…” "Forgive 70 x 7…”

Well, there are at least two more good examples of Jesus punchy communicating skills in this short passage as they include some of the most famous words in the Christian scriptures. “Greater love hath no man…” “Love one another”.

Here Jesus' private discourse with his disciples is drawing to a conclusion and there is a great sense of valedictory messaging. He knows what is coming to him and is wanting to make sure his friends are as prepared as possible. Love is to be the disciples’ way of life. They are to love everyone, all the time. And this love is based on the love that God has for him and he has for them. It’s a love that involves obedience and self-sacrifice. Jesus knows that tough times are coming for the disciples too and the world will be hostile to them, so they must be bound in the love Jesus has had for them.

And love goes beyond watching each others’ backs – it may well involve dying for each other too as he is going to die for them. The idea that one should lay down one's life for one's friends was not uncommon in the ancient world. Jesus reveals that this human ideal is in accord with the divine ideal. 

To Ponder:

• Can you think of any other good soundbites from Jesus or anyone else in the Bible?
• Would you lay down your life for your friends?