March 26: Words of Comfort & Hope: I Am the Way, the Truth & the Life
♫ Music:
WEEK SIX INTRODUCTION
TITLE: CHRIST’S PRIVATE DISCOURSE TO HIS DISCIPLES
(JOHN 14–17)
March 26–April 1
John 14–17 is commonly known as Christ’s “Farewell Discourse.” In it, Christ talks to his disciples for the last time prior to his death about his person and work, the things that are to come and where he is going. He answers their questions, encouraging them to remain faithful, and promises to send his Spirit to empower them to do the work he has called them to accomplish. John 14 takes place in the upper room at the close of the Last Supper. Jesus instructs his disciples in John 15–17 as they leave the upper room and walk to the Garden of Gethsemane. Of course, the best way to experience Christ’s discourse is to read all four chapters in one sitting.
Jesus talks about returning to the Father and assures his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them in heaven (John 14). He declares, “I . . . am the road . . . the truth and the life.” He goes on to speak about love, “Every man who knows my commandments and obeys them is the man who really loves me.” He promises to send the Holy Spirit, and concludes the chapter by bestowing peace on his followers, “I give you my own peace.”
At the beginning of John 15:5 Christ utters his final “I am” statement: “I am the vine itself, you are the branches.” Here, Christ teaches that he is the source of life for all believers. Those abiding in him are “branches” or offshoots that receive continual nourishment and bear much fruit. This deep-seated interconnectedness results in friendship with Jesus and with his Father.
In John 15:18–16:33, Jesus warns his disciples about coming persecution and hatred from the world, hatred he himself has experienced and endured. “If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you as well.” But then he encourages the Eleven with these words, “I have told you all this so that you may find your peace in me. You will find trouble in the world—but, never lose heart, I have conquered the world!” These are the final words of Christ as he concludes his discourse with them and turns his attention in prayer to the Father, before whom he pours out his heart.
John 17 is referred to as Christ’s “High Priestly Prayer.” It is the longest and most intimate of Christ’s prayers in the Gospels, revealing yet again his oneness with the Father. In it, Christ prays for the glorification of his Father and the unity of all his followers both present and future. The culmination of this prayer of departure is the revelation that the unfathomable love the Father and Son share will bind all Christian believers together: “I am not praying only for these men but for all those who will believe in me through their message, that they may all be one. Just as you, Father, live in me and I live in you, I am asking that they may live in us, that the world may believe that you did send me” (John 17:20–21). Christian leaders have observed that this powerful final request of Christ has yet to be fully answered.
Day 33 - Sunday, March 26
Title: WORDS OF COMFORT & HOPE
Scripture: John 14:1–14
“You must not let yourselves be distressed—you must hold on to your faith in God and to your faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s House. If there were not, should I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? It is true that I am going away to prepare a place for you, but it is just as true that I am coming again to welcome you into my own home, so that you may be where I am. You know where I am going and you know the road I am going to take.”
“Lord,” Thomas remonstrated, “we do not know where you’re going, and how can we know what road you’re going to take?”
“I myself am the road,” replied Jesus, “and the truth and the life. No one approaches the Father except through me. If you had known who I am, you would have known my Father. From now on, you do know him and you have seen him.”
Then Philip said to him, “Show us the Father, Lord, and we shall be satisfied.”
“Have I been such a long time with you,” returned Jesus, “without your really knowing me, Philip? The man who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The very words I say to you are not my own. It is the Father who lives in me who carries out his work through me. Do you believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? But if you cannot, then believe me because of what you see me do. I assure you that the man who believes in me will do the same things that I have done, yes, and he will do even greater things than these, for I am going away to the Father. Whatever you ask the Father in my name, I will do—that the Son may bring glory to the Father. And if you ask me anything in my name, I will grant it.
Poetry & Poet:
“The Way it Is”
by William Stafford
There's a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn't change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can't get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time's unfolding.
You don't ever let go of the thread.
WORDS OF COMFORT & HOPE: I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH & THE LIFE
This passage has always been very meaningful to me, and I always return to it during difficult times. I can imagine the disciples in the upper room with Jesus after that final Passover meal, confused and distressed over the news that one of them would betray Jesus, that Jesus would die, and that Peter would deny Him. (John 13:21, 33, 38). They probably feared for their own lives and wondered where they would go once Jesus was gone. Like those disciples, we live in a world that hates those of us who identify with Christ, and we are tempted to fear for our own future on this earth, how and where we will live, and what will happen to our families. Jesus’ response to us as it was to His disciples is to not be troubled or distressed but instead to trust, or believe, in God and in Himself as God incarnate. (John 14:1). We are just pilgrims on this earth, following the path that He has set out for us. At the end is the home He has prepared for us in Heaven, in His Father’s house. (John 14:2-3). It must have comforted the disciples that despite His death, He would not abandon them, and He will not abandon us if we truly belong to Him.
Like Thomas and Philip, in our human frailty, we tend to doubt both God and His promises. We need guidance. The world entices and distracts us to follow dangerous paths, and it can be easy to get lost. Jesus responds to Thomas’ question (and to ours), “Lord, we do not know where you are going, how do we know the way?” (John 14:5) by saying, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). In this passage, Jesus clearly explains his deity and thus His ability to provide an eternal home and guide His disciples through this life. “…I am in the Father, and the Father is in me…” (John 14:11). The Reverend James Cleveland and the Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir proclaim this glorious truth in the song, “I am the Way.”
The painting by Mark Cazalet, I Am the Gate, shows a rural path in a country scene with a shepherd in the foreground who is almost part of the fence that leads to the path. He seems partially hidden behind a large tree. A couple of people are looking at their maps, trying to figure out where to go. They are so typical of all of us who forget to look to Christ and instead rely on our own abilities to stay on the path when He is ready to lead us where we need to go. Similarly, the poem “The Way It Is” by William Stafford reminds us to never let go of the thread of truth as found in Scripture. Unlike the people and the world around us, it never changes and will illuminate our path.
When I am tempted to stray or when I get discouraged like Thomas or Philip, I return to Peter’s words in John 6:68: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” No one else other than Jesus can provide a path to the Father or promise a home in Heaven, and no one else has the authority to make those kinds of promises.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that you are the one who has the words of eternal life. I am eternally grateful that you have provided a way of salvation through Jesus Christ. I am also thankful that you light my path as I go through this dark world. Help me to trust you and to fear not as I face difficult circumstances.
Amen
Dr. Alicia M. Dewey
Professor of History
Biola University
For more information about the artwork, music, and poetry selected for this day, we have provided resources under the “About” tab located next to the “Devotional” tab
About the Translation of the Bible for the 2023 Lent Project:
J.B. Phillips New Testament Translation of the Bible
J.B. Phillips (1906-1982) was well-known within the Church of England for his commitment to making the message of truth relevant to today's world. Phillips' translation of the New Testament brings home the full force of the original message. The New Testament in Modern English was originally written for the benefit of Phillips' youth group; it was later published more widely in response to popular demand. The language is up-to-date and forceful, involving the reader in the dramatic events and powerful teaching of the New Testament. It brings home the message of Good News as it was first heard two thousand years ago.
https://www.biblegateway.com/
About the Artwork:
I Am the Gate
Mark Cazalet
2010
Oil on wood
100 x 79 cm
St. Mary's Church
Stowting, Kent, England
Artist Mark Cazalet’s beautiful painting reminds us that a life following Christ may be arduous but ultimately leads to life. The composition consists of two pairs of individuals—one pair are aimless wanderers on a winding country road while the other pair are fully prepared for the journey of life with a map of directions showing them the way to their ultimate destination. This pair will shortly be welcomed by Jesus, who stands at the gate of abundant and eternal life. Jesus uses the metaphor of the gate several times––“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture” (John 10:9 ESV) and “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14, NKJV). One of the eight “I Am” statements by Christ is clear about the road to salvation, which can only be found through Christ alone. The artist's words of reflection tell of the intention of his painting, “I Am the Gate is the title of this commissioned painting, donated to St Mary’s Church, Stowting, by Peter Wright, in memory of his late wife, Sonia. The view is taken from (Church) Lane, looking out across the village to (Fan) Hill on a late spring afternoon. Christ stands in the shadow of a yew tree holding a lamb, whilst waiting to welcome two lost Pilgrims or hikers. Another couple can be seen in silhouette on the left, descending the lane. To be lost and found is a classic parable theme, whether at the beginning, in the midst, or at the end of one’s life. I have been greatly influenced by the writings of T.F. Powys, whose strange allegorical, parable-like stories combine strong theological images with elusive meanings. A sense of mystery is a good quality, especially when presented in an apparently clear, accessible style.The colors of the painting are designed to take up many of the rich hues of the artifacts within the church, both in the wonderful set of stained glass windows and the reredos panel. But chiefly I intended the brightness of the painting’s palette to express the joyfulness of Sonia’s personality and the quiet beauty of the Kentish landscape. Hidden in the painting are several other subtle references best discovered by the viewer, whose eye is intended to be drawn into the image and moved around the gentle rhythms of the composition before reflecting on any possible interpretations.”
About the Artist:
Mark Cazalet (b. 1964) is a contemporary British painter and printmaker who has undertaken many diverse commissions, especially in ecclesiastical settings. Currently based in London and Suffolk, UK, he trained at the Chelsea School of Art and then the Falmouth School of Art. After graduating, he was awarded the French government’s national studentship award to study in France, where he studied at L'ecole-des-Beaux-Arts Paris in the studio of French artist Christian Boltanski. Cazalet has completed several large-scale glass and painted works for many ecclesiastical locations, including the Cathedrals of Worcester, Manchester, and Chelmsford. He works with fabricators in materials as varied as mosaic, mural, stained glass, etched/engraved glass, textiles, and lino woodcut limited edition books. Cazalet's studio practice is based around drawing, painting, and printmaking, and is usually concerned with landscape themes, informed by particular qualities of light, color, and presence. In the springs of 2012 and 2013, he was artist-in-residence at the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation in Connecticut. Cazalet is a faculty member at the Royal Drawing School and also teaches at West Dean College and the Edward James Foundation in Sussex. He frequently exhibits in major regional and international shows.
https://www.markcazalet.co.uk/
https://www.royaldrawingschool.org/artists/faculty/mark-cazalet/#3
About the Music: “I Am the Way” from the album Grateful, Live at GMWA ’96–Mercy That Suits
Lyrics:
Verse 1
I am the way
I am the way, the truth and the Light
The only way to the Father
The only way to the Father,
Is through God Jesus Christ
No man comes to the Father,
But through Christ who sets you free
He said, I am the way-ay-ay-ay
(Repeat)
Verse 2
You who are weary
You who are weary
Bought with
Bought with the a price
You may be
You may be heavy laden
Give Jesus your life
Give Him your life
Jesus will do it
He’ll turn your life around
He’ll land you feet on solid ground
I am the way
(Repeat)
I am the way (8 times, improv after)
I am (8 Times, Improve after)
I am the way (8 times, improv after)
I am (8 Times, improv after)
I am the way (8 times, improv after)
Repeat Verse 2
Close with - I am the way
About the Composer:
James Edward Cleveland (1931–1991) was an American gospel singer, musician, and composer. Known as the “King of Gospel,” Cleveland was a driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound by incorporating traditional Black gospel, soul, pop, and jazz in arrangements for mass choirs. Throughout his career, Cleveland appeared on hundreds of recordings and earned four Grammy Awards. For his trailblazing accomplishments, he is regarded by many as one of the greatest gospel singers who ever lived. He is best known for his gospel classics "Lord, Help Me to Hold Out," "Peace Be Still," “Where Is Your Faith," and "The Love of God." In 1968, Cleveland taught others how to achieve the modern gospel sound and preserve the industry's rich legacy through his annual workshop convention, the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), which now has over one hundred fifty chapters and thirty thousand members. The purpose of the workshops was to bring together singers from all over the country in order to perpetuate the art of gospel music.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Cleveland
Composer:
Raymond Rax is a musician who focuses on piano performance and accompanying, vocal coaching, and directing choirs. He received his bachelor's degree in music education from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He is associated with the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) in the Houston, Texas, area.
About the Performers: Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir
The Gospel Music Workshop of America was organized in 1967 under the direction of Rev. James Cleveland, who remained its president for over twenty years. Beginning in the early 1970s, recordings from the annual meetings were released every year, showcasing new songwriting and vocal talent with the backing of a thousand-person-plus “mass choir.” Chapters of the organization have sprung up all over the US and some abroad, many of which produced their own recordings.
https://www.discogs.com/artist/5197217-The-Gospel-Music-Workshop-Of-America-Mass-Choir
About the Poetry and Poet:
William Stafford (1914–1993) was an American poet who was appointed to serve as the poet laureate in 1970. Drafted into the army during World War II, Stafford registered as a conscientious objector and was allowed to perform alternative service with other pacifists by working in California, Arkansas, and Illinois as a part of the Civilian Public Service. Following the completion of his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa, he began teaching and writing. His poetry collection Traveling through the Dark won the National Book Award in 1963. He wrote an estimated 22,000 poems in the course of his life up to the day of his death.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Stafford_(poet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Public_Service
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-e-stafford
About Devotion Author:
Dr. Alicia M. Dewey
Professor of History
Biola University
Alicia Dewey received her doctorate from Southern Methodist University and has taught at Biola University since 2007. Her courses include the History of the American West; California History; American Democracy, Civil War, and Reconstruction, 1800–77; the Rise of Modern America (1877–1920); Research Methods in History; the U.S. History Survey; and U.S. History Since 1865. When she is not teaching, researching, or writing, she enjoys the outdoors and experiencing the American West through hiking, camping, canoeing, bird-watching, and landscape painting, as well as spending time with her Maltese dog, Ranger. She is a member of Kindred Community Church in Anaheim Hills, California.