May 4, 2008

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church

Pr. Per Inge Vik  

Joh 17, 1-11

He who gives and gives and gives  

The 17th chapter of John has been named ”Jesus’ High Priestly Intercession”. We have read the first part, vv 1-11. By Jesus’ High Priestly Intercession we get a glimpse of Jesus’ own prayer life. He taught us how to pray by giving us Our Father. That is to be our daily prayer, and it is.

But today we are given a fascinating glimpse into Jesus’ own prayer room. Jesus’ High Priestly Intercession covers from God’s own innermost to his far outer reach. It shows us the relationship between the Father and the Son, and at the same time a view of all people (v.2).

The text lets us follow Jesus’ look into heaven. But also a review of what he accomplished in the world. And a view out, towards the meaning of Jesus’ coming to the world.

I wish to convey something for our senses today. Not only for thought. I wish to convey a vision of The Invisible. It might help to begin with the beginning. There it is told that he looked up to heaven. It is the night before his mission is accomplished. He looks back to his heavenly origin. The circle is soon complete. We are invited to look into the big connection, into God’s good circle.

God’s good circle starts in the Holiest of the Holy. There the Father and the Son are one in the Spirit. The love between the three persons in the deity is eternal. God is love. In God there is perpetual movement. The Father gives himself to the Son, so that everything the Father has, also is handed to the Son.

Then the circle is extended. The Son is sent to the world. The good circle where God gives his good gifts to the Son, will now include all people. The good circle of love that rules from eternity to eternity in the nature the Triune God, now also covers the whole world  that God created. And that the Son stepped into, to give a share in what the Father gives.

Here in this world, the Son has made the name of the Father known (v.6). Jesus has shared an insight with us into God’s being, both his holiness and that the Father is the one who gives and gives and gives. I counted, and found the verb to give 11 times in this short portion of text ! As the Father gives his Son life and glory, also will he give humans life and glory.

And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Here is clearly outspoken what eternal life is like. Many think that eternal life is something airy, something distant. That it is ”far ahead” in time, or ”far out” in space somewhere. Jesus brings the whole thing much closer. It is all about knowledge, he says.

The verb to know in Biblical language has a deep meaning. It depicts a familiar, yes even intimate fellowship. In Genesis chapter 4 v. 1 it is said that  the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived. While the Norwegian translation says that he lived together with, the NRSV Bible renders the Hebrew litterally, that he ”knew” Eve.

So ”to know” in Biblical language depicts a very beautiful, personal and intimate fellowship. Today we hear that eternal life is to know Jesus and the one who sent him. So to know God is not all about having a theoretical knowledge about Christianity. But rather it is to have an open, confidential relation-ship to him. Jesus also calls the church his bride.  

It was the work of Jesus to extend the heavenly Circle of Love. Amongst humans he spoke the language of love and showed in practical deeds that God loves us. He gave himself. He offered his life for our sins.

Dear listener, I want you to know that you are being touched by this eternal love. It started the day you were baptized. It continues every time you receive Holy Communion. The Sacraments have been called ”God’s caresses”, where he touches us in a tangible, physical way. We have fellowship with the deity in Jesus’ giving of his body and blood.

In the bread and wine of the Eucharist we have an intimate fellowship (communio) with God.

Last Sunday we heard about the Advocate, whom Jesus would send in his own stead when he went back to his Father. The Holy Spirit is with us. He makes God known to us. He provides that the invisible God is being ”visible” to our faith.

The Spirit is a spotlight who lets Jesus shine before our eyes. Today he shows us that we have a spokesman at the right hand of the Father. One ”who cares for me,” as Lina Sandell puts it in our opening hymn today.

On his Ascencion day Jesus regained his place in heaven. The position he had had from eternity on. But which he gave up when he came down to us. Now ”he is seated at the right hand of the Father” with an outspoken mission, to be our intercessor. Our spokesman in heaven has a close connection with our spokesman on earth, the Holy Spirit. They share their divine love and generosity. All mine are yours, and yours are mine.

So what does our intercessor pray for, more specifically?  We know at least one thing. Namely that we who belong to him may be one. Thusly our text ends today. Notice that he doesn’t pray that we may “become” one, but that we may be one.

There is a difference there. When Peter had given his brave confession to The Messiah, the Son of the Living God, Jesus declared (Matth16:18) You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. So Jesus Christ has only one church on earth. Meaning that the unity is there. We do not need to try to become one. Because we already are, in the eyes of Jesus.

When Jesus prays that we may be one, I think it means that we as Christians should not fight, but instead speak nicely about each other. As Lutherans we know that it is enough for the true unity of the church to agree concerning the teaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments (CA).   Those are the criteria for a true church of Jesus.

The other things, such as ways to celebrate a church service, whether we pray with lifted eyes, whether we kneel, whether we do a quiet and meditative service or one full of activity, is not the point. This can differ from church to church. In that way, different people can find a place and feel at home in the church of Jesus Christ, having nourishment for their souls.

As a closing hymn today we are going to sing “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”. Around Ascension Day it is meaningful to sing this beautiful song of praise, both in English and Norwegian. “Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him, Lord of all.” The Norwegian translation by Arne Garborg renders it “Crown him, King of the whole world”.

So we sing Hail to the King of the whole world, who is sitting on his heavenly Throne, at the right side of the Father. Ascension Day has been called the Day of Jesus’ Coronation.

It is a privilege for us today to be able to join in lifting him up high, he who doesn’t only enjoy his honor and glory in heaven, but is our representative and intercessor at the right hand of The Almighty.  He who together with the Father and the Holy Spirit was, is and will remain one, true God from eternity to eternity. (Congregation:) Amen

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