Between the Lines: Pentecost Sunday: May 19, 2013

Text: John 14:8-17 (25-27)

Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.

Truth (Photo credit: d4vidbruce)

I am struck by this statement, which seems almost offhand in the midst of Jesus’ extended farewell speech as imagined by the writer of the gospel of John. It seems to me to raise a fundamental question about how one might relate to Jesus.

The “Records of the Life of Jesus” seminars led by the Guild for Psychological Studies raise this question quite pointedly. Early on in the study of the teachings of Jesus as found in the gospels,  participants are asked to consider whether “these things are true because Jesus said them,” or “Jesus said these things because they are true.”

Consider what Jesus says, or what any teacher who you consider wise and insightful—the Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr, your father or grandmother—says. Do you trust in what they say to you because you believe in who they are, or because you find truth in how they live? Is it possible to separate those things?

– Andy Kille

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“Between the Lines” is excerpted from BibleWorkbench, a weekly resource for engaging the biblical story in a new way published by the Educational Center in Charlotte, NC.  For details and subscription information, see About BibleWorkbench.

Between the Lines: Pentecost Sunday: May 27, 2012

Text: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.

A mock trial at the Colonie Youth Court in Latham, New York. White House photo by Shealah Craighead (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What do you recall of a time in your life when someone has been an advocate for you? Who was it? Why did they come to your assistance? What did they do on your behalf? What truth did they speak? To whom did they speak that truth? How did you feel about them doing this?

When have you been called upon to advocate for another, at school, at work, in the church, at home? How did you act as an advocate? What motivated you to do so? What were you able to bring to the situation that otherwise might have been missing?