I encourage you to read John 14-16 as often as possible, definitely some of the most beautiful writing in all of Scripture as John shares with us what Jesus wanted His disciples to know before their relationship changed forever as He left this earth. As I reflect on what Jesus says in 14:10-13, I am reminded of what Stephen Manley would call the Linchpin concept of Christianity. The Son of God becomes Man and the Father Indwells the Son through the Holy Spirit, so THAT someday all of us can receive the life of the God-Man Jesus indwelling us, bringing us His life of obedience to the Indwelling Father through the Spirit. Jesus is saying to His Disciples that this LINCH-PIN reality is going to do even greater things than He has been capable of.

 

And look at the 2,000 years since Jesus: Christians have founded countless schools, hospitals, charities, homeless shelters, food pantries, adoption agencies/orphanages, advocacy groups and been forces behind abolishing slavery and advancing civil rights for marginalized and oppressed people, while bringing an end to numerous wars and promoting a just peace in so many areas. Christians, through the power of Jesus, have released countless people from the chains of addiction, demonic possession and self-centered pursuits. Most importantly, we have brough the Good News of salvation to eternal life in Jesus to every corner of the world. None of this has happened because Christians are smarter, better, more talented or more moral than other people. It's because ordinary humans submitted themselves to the Lordship of Jesus through the Holy Spirit in their lives so that the Will of our Father God could be accomplished.

 

Of course, Christians have also opposed good and perpetuated evil in the world. Jesus foresees that as we read John 14-16. He knows that humans will remain creatures of immense darkness as well as light. But, where I find hope amidst my despair of the failings of the followers of Jesus that have caused war, violence, abuse and injustices over the past 2,000 years is that when we embrace the towel, the basin and the water and focus on washing feet, we never go wrong. Because it is there we see our Sweet Savior, meeting us at every point of need with transforming love. And it is there I am empowered by His Indwelling Presence to do the same.