A Teacher’s Last Words

Several years ago, my husband’s father was quite ill. We decided as a family to spend our summer vacation visiting him, since we weren’t sure whether he would survive the year.  One evening, I was chatting with my father-in-law when he turned to me and said he was proud of Patrick and I. He said he wasn’t sure of me at first. But now, he liked me and thought we had a beautiful family.  I knew in this moment that he was saying that he loved me.  And it meant the world to me. 

During Holy Week, we remember triumphant events, like the washing of the

disciples’ feet and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, as well as the more sorrowful moments like Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution. Yet, in the Gospel of John, we also get the final words that Jesus shares with his disciples.

In John 13, after Judas has been outed as the betrayer, Jesus gave the rest of the disciples a new commandment: “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other.” (John 13:34)

In John 14, we learn that God’s house has many rooms to spare and that Jesus is going to prepare a place for us. Then he will tell us that “If you have really known me, you will also know the Father. From now on you know him and have seen him.” (John 14:7). In other words, we have seen God in Jesus. He will go on to say that if we love as Jesus has commanded us, then God will make God’s home in us. We will become a living, breathing temple of God.

In chapter 15, we hear that we are Jesus’ friends. “No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you.” (John 15:13).  In this chapter, Jesus will also promise us that the Holy Spirit will come to bring us comfort and help us testify to all that we have experienced.

Scholars call these section of the Gospel the Farewell Discourse, and it occurs between Chapters 13 and 17. In these chapters, Jesus is preparing his friends for his death. He is reminding them of his core teachings. I believe Jesus is also trying to express his love for them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCr2tn4yYKY

As we continue to move through this week, ponder these words of Jesus.  Beyond the words that he says, what is Jesus trying to convey to his disciples? What is his hope for them and for us? Are there words a loved one has said to you that you continue to hold dear?

May this Holy Week be a blessing to you.