Consider the Word, May 19, 2022

Consider the Word, May 19, 2022
Fourth Sunday after Easter
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for May 22:

• Acts 16:9-15
• Psalm 67;
• Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
• John 14:23-29 Or John 5:1-9

 
Collect:

Merciful God,

you have prepared for those who love you

riches beyond imagination.

Pour into our hearts such love toward you,

that we, loving you above all things,

may obtain your promises,

which exceed all that we can desire;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 
Reading: John 14:23-29

Jesus answered, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe."

 
Reflection Questions:

1. If you’ve had a teacher or coach who has had a tremendous influence on your life, in what ways do they still seem to be present?
2. What is the nature of the “peace” Jesus gives his disciples?

 
Closing Prayer:

Gracious God,

through a vision you sent forth Paul to preach the gospel

and called the women to the place of prayer on the Sabbath.

Grant that we may be like Paul

and be found like Lydia,

our hearts responsive to your word

and open to go where you lead us. Amen.

 
The Message:
Reading: John 14:23-29

^23-24 “Because a loveless world,” said Jesus, “is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me.

^25-27 “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.

²⁸ “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I’m on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life.

^29-31 “I’ve told you this ahead of time, before it happens, so that when it does happen, the confirmation will deepen your belief in me. I’ll not be talking with you much more like this because the chief of this godless world is about to attack. But don’t worry—he has nothing on me, no claim on me. But so the world might know how thoroughly I love the Father, I am carrying out my Father’s instructions right down to the last detail.

“Get up. Let’s go. It’s time to leave here.”

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson