John 14:1-6

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God, believe also in me.”

John 14:1

In these words from John’s Gospel, Jesus is speaking to his disciples in their last hours together.  John tells us that this is a time just before the festival of the Passover.  Through chapters 13 and 14, we read the account of the Last Supper, which Jesus commands us to continue; and, we read the poignant description of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.  Jesus has summed up his teaching and is now saying farewell to those closest to him who will be left to carry on his ministry.  Preparing for his earthly departure; Jesus knows well that his hour has come.  “Little children, I am with you only a little longer,” [13:33a] he says.

Knowing the carnage that is to come, it should be quite to our amazement that this scene on this last evening is one of serene peacefulness.  Jesus speaks of those who have and will betray and deny him, even to death.  Jesus is fully aware of the wrongs committed against him by the world, yet it is with sincere forbearance and forgiveness that he speaks of these evil actions.  “Peace I leave with you;” Jesus says, “my peace I give to you.” [14:27a]

With great tenderness and certainty Jesus is preparing his disciples for life on earth without his physical presence and leadership.  We read from John 13:1, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end;” to the end translates: to the utmost.  Jesus had shown them and us how to live and to love to the utmost; now the time has come for his departure to be with the Father.

Naturally, there is a great sense of inadequacy among these disciples whom Jesus is leaving behind, yet Jesus says, “Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” [John 13:20] Jesus demonstrates in these last hours that these disciples and we who seek to carry on this legacy are all God needs to bring about this utmost love of God’s kingdom.

And, Jesus’ ministry does not end with his earthly departure; as we have heard Jesus’ words just now, “Igo to prepare a place for you.” Jesus is very clear that he would not have made this promise if it were not his true intention and purpose. Again and again, Jesus speaks of this utmost love and utmost peace in which we are to trust in his promise of everlasting life; we are not to be fearful.

Through John’s words we are able to share this very intimate last gathering of those who have endured so many varied and intense experiences of joy and sadness and earthly difficulties – sharing those times in the sunlight of Jesus’ utmost love.  This intimate peaceful atmosphere of utmost love and nurturing preparation for Jesus’ departure is so similar to that that I experienced in Jan’s home as she and her family prepared, as best they could, for her departure.  Jan did not fear death.  She knew her hour had come.

Jan had loved with utmost love.  She had loved the destitute who came seeking food at the food pantry; they left that place not only receiving food, but also love and respect demonstrated in Jan’s warm easy smile and natural sense of kindness and peace.  Jan had relished in opportunities for kind attention to those, whether friend or stranger, who shopped among the heirlooms at yard sales and bazaars – and at Peebles, a ministry she obviously enjoyed.  Jan loved us all with that consistent sense of equality and deference.  Jan brought us the gentleness and hospitality of her English heritage, best demonstrated in her enthusiastic leadership of the English tea – a tradition I sincerely hope we can continue in her honor.

Jan loved her family with utmost love; she was most complete when Rod was by her side; she glowed when she spoke of her daughters and grandchildren; she lavished praise on her mother and stepfather and numerous siblings, treasuring her visits with them; she had forgiven any in her life who had wronged her.  I am convinced that Jan was incapable of harshness. It was not that she avoided conflict; it was that her voice was often the “third” voice bringing truth and light – a natural peaceful resolution so true to her character.  None ever grew tired of her cheerful presence and sense of humor.  Jan made life and ministry fun in the most wholesome and rewarding ways – as wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, parishioner, child of God – Jan brought life into our lives.

Jan showed us how to live and how to die.  From the time of her diagnosis she was at peace; she exuding that peace, even maintaining her sense of humor.  This natural peacefulness guided the tender diligent actions of those who loved her the most.  During their final intimate hours together they so lovingly and gently cared for her and sought to carry out her wishes – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Every element of this last tribute to her is guided by her fortitude of utmost love and peaceful, faithful earthly sojourn.

That earthly sojourn has come to an end.  We who are left behind grieve to the deep depths of our hearts.  Yet, we rejoice in our Lord’s promise; we are confident that Jan has taken up her residence in the dwelling place prepared for her; She is saying, “Oh really, this is so beautiful.”  We trust that the teacups are Royal Doulton and the biscuits are just the right crispness.  In life and in death, Jan has followed the Way – the way of truth and life.

As Jesus, in these last intimate hours, trusted his disciples with the ministry he had begun on earth, so Jan has entrusted us to carry on the legacy of utmost love, gentle peace, and diligent faith.  In life and in death, Jan was not afraid.  With great certainty, Jan understands and entreats us to hear the words of our Lord, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God, believe also in me.”