The Pastor’s Reflections
The passage we’ll be contemplating is taken from John’s lengthy account of the Last Supper. Here’s what took place immediately before.
During the meal Jesus had shocked the group by assuming the role of a slave by washing their feet telling them that they were to follow his example and wash each other’s feet. He followed this prophetic action by announcing that one of them would betray him. The group was deeply shaken by the announcement but failed to recognize that Jesus was referring to Judas who suddenly left the assembly, fading into the darkness outside.
With his departure Jesus began a heart-felt discourse by announcing, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. (John 13:31) But he followed up this dazzling announcement with a disconcerting statement. “My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. (John 13:31). Even the new commandment he announced to them seemed to contain a dark element predicting his departure from them. “As I have loved you, so you also should love.” (John 13:34) Finally, Jesus shocked the group by predicting Peter’s betrayal.
The disciples must have been terribly confused by this series of statements. Jesus spoke of his glorification. This would certainly have been something they wanted to hear. They were hoping that, as the Messiah, he would usher in Israel’s golden age of independence and political superiority. But then why would he speak of leaving them? His call to love as he loved must have had an ominous ring to it. Again, he said that he would be leaving them. His final prediction that Peter would betray him must have shaken, not only Peter, but also the entire group. An absolutely beautiful passage follows as chapter 14 begins. Here, we’ll begin our reflection.
The scene is still the Last Supper. Jesus begins by consoling his little group of disciples. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” (John 14:1) He knows what the future holds for him and his disciples. He’ll be killed, and they’ll descend into spiritual chaos and disillusionment. He knows that they’re men who have a deep faith in God, but they mustn’t allow his death to shake their faith in him. His death will soon be opening a new world to them. He knows that the future will bring hardship and persecution for them. Their faith has to remain strong. So he gives them a vision of the future.
“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2)
Consider the bombshells that Jesus dropped on them. “One of you will betray me!” “Peter, before the cock crows you will betray me three times!” “I will be with you only a little while longer.” They couldn’t put all this together at the time, but the upcoming events would bring reality to his words. Judas will betray him, and later hang himself. Peter will indeed betray him three times. Jesus will be crucified. All of them will panic and go into hiding after his death.
In spite of the betrayals, the misunderstandings, and even the lack of faith they would experience, Jesus promised to prepare a place for them. He was assuring them that they would indeed enter glory with him. At the time they couldn’t possibly have understood what he was saying. They were interpreting his prediction in a political sense. They thought each of them would be rewarded with a political appointment in the Kingdom he would establish.
During the time after his death they would begin to understand the meaning of this discourse; but at the time they were confused by what Jesus was telling them. So he continued teaching. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” (John 14:3-4a) The wonderful doubter, Thomas, then spoke up, reflecting the feeling of the entire group. “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” (John 14:4b)
It’s clear, isn’t it? Thomas was speaking for all of us “who have not seen and yet believe.” John 20:29). It might seem challenging to truly believe that God has a special place prepared for each one of us. We might feel unworthy of Jesus’ promise. We may feel that “the way” to one of the special dwelling places in God’s house is difficult to discover, and ever more difficult to travel. The Lord’s answer to Thomas’ question seems just as difficult to understand. “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
In order to understand this passage keep in mind that very dark days are coming for the disciples. They will be crippled by their fears, the fact of their betrayals and their lack of faith. Also keep in mind that wonderful day, when, after the resurrection, Jesus will appear to the disciples and address two of them in a specific and pointed way. He will command Thomas to “not be unbelieving.” (John 20:27b) He will ask Peter three times “Do you love me?” (John 21:16) What was Jesus doing? He was healing them by focusing on their weakest points. Thomas had to let go of the mental prejudice that blocked his faith. Peter had to confront, and go beyond, his triple denial of knowing Jesus.
Here’s a suggestion to personalize this passage. Make a confession. There’s no need to run to the confessional. Just be brave and open your heart. Confess everything. Don’t worry about logic or precision. Let go and spill out your guts. List the things that bring you shame. Innumerate your fears, and your spiritual conflicts. Say what you’re sorry for. Think of the people you’ve hurt, and the friends you’ve betrayed. Take as much time as you need. Lay every negative thing you can possibly imagine at the feet of Jesus. Weep if tears boil up.
Then, rest for a bit before going back to the passage. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” No matter what you said. No matter how negative you’ve been about yourself. There’s still a dwelling place for you in the Father’s house. If you have any doubts about that recall Saint Paul’s witness. Remember, he instigated and approved of the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Take a leap of faith, and bravely open your heart to God. There’s no need to edit anything about your life. Jesus assured each and every one of us that there is always a place waiting for us. If we trust in his promise, he’ll always be our way, the road leading to that special place. If we open our lives to him, we’ll experience the liberation of our spirit, and see a glimpse of the glory awaiting us. We’ll discover the truth of God’s unconditional love for us. We’ll walk “out of the darkness into his wonderful light!” (1 Peter 2:9b)
