Do not let your hearts be troubled. Jesus has just told his followers that he's leaving and that they can't come with him. Their world is unravelling, it feels like the ground is shifting underneath their feet.

Yeah, we know what that's like. Emotionally, culturally, and spiritually. Look at the state of reality right now. We're living in "troubled" times, of course our hearts are troubled.

Jesus knows this. We'll notice what he doesn't offer. Not a strategy, not a 5 point plan. What does he offer? Presence. In my Father's house there are many rooms. We've often heard this as heaven talk, like there's a mansion in the sky. What if it's that and then some? What if he's not just talking future, what if he's talking a present reality? What if he's talking about belonging? Dwelling places. A home. His presence. We belong to the divine.

Then Thomas says what everyone is thinking: "we don't know where you're going." In other words, "I don't get it." Which is kinda refreshing. Jesus responds with "I am the way and the truth and the life."

Then Jesus says something controversial: "no one comes to the Father except through me." We hear this as exclusion. What if it's not that? What if it's about the nature of radical inclusion? Jesus is the embodiment of self-giving love, radical forgiveness, and boundary-breaking grace. Maybe "through me" means through this way of living? We don't arrive at God through domination or violence or force or control, we arrive at God through love, which is exactly who Jesus is.

So let's talk about "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" before we end talking through "those who believe in Jesus will do even greater things." Maybe greater things doesn't mean more spectacular. Maybe it means more expansive? Jesus was voluntarily bound to a particular place and time. Now the invitation expands to you and me and us. Maybe greater things includes making communities of generosity, people who choose forgiveness over revenge - communities building systems around justice.

We live in turbulent times, but there is a way forward. "Do not let your hearts be troubled" doesn't mean we ignore reality. No, we face reality knowing there's a deeper current underneath. We have a home in the divine. A presence that is holding us. And if we all follow Jesus, living lives of self-giving love, maybe we'll see those "greater things" and get through these turbulent times together.

Speaker: Aaron Vis

Scripture: John 14:1-14