John 15:9-17

This is one of those seemingly simple proofs of the awesome love of Jesus that is not simple at all. Verse 13 is pretty much central to what Jesus did, and that he did it is one of the primary reasons for wanting a relationship with him. When you think about what sacrificing is, an example of someone sacrificing themselves for the greater good probably comes to mind, like a soldier falling on a grenade. Of course Jesus is referring to his own death, but he comes right back, so it's not quite the same. But I'm not going to dwell on that.

The ultimate sacrifice, as we say, is what is being invoked here. When considering the lives of the soldiers whose lives were saved, it's pretty hard to argue. It's an incredible sacrifice. But where did that grenade come from? Why was the soldier there? Most likely you pictured the army that represents your country. But your country is throwing grenades the other way too, and someone over there is sacrificing themselves. Anyone can sacrifice themselves for a cause. It is only meaningful if the cause itself is also just.

That the sacrifice discussed here is not just is stated in the verse that follows it.

15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.

This is a master/servant relationship. He goes on to say he is also their friend. Friendship that I experience is earned, not dictated. It comes from building trust and mutual understanding, not a command. If he were actually offering something unique, something never before found in the world then he would have the right to act this way. But as I have discovered throughout the creation of this sermon helper, this is the constant refrain, say he said some things to give us joy, but just what those things are is somewhat of a mystery. You can tease out a few things that are universal, but nothing unique and you have to skip by the parts where he says you have to be chosen. You have to convert those into a modern world of global communication. That's not the world wherein this was written.

Acts 10:44-48

In the third week of Advent I talked about this kind of hallucinating that occurs in religious communities. Speaking in tongues is considered some sort of spiritual gift. People say they are experiencing some connection with the divine when they do it. I know of nothing that has ever been discovered from it or anyone who has done it who has had any insight beyond normal.

Baptism was a common element of the various cults of the time.

1 John 5:1-6

This epistle is getting so circular, I'm getting dizzy. I can't wait for Pentecost so we can get back to the Book of Mark.

Shout out to Thomas and the Bible podcast.