The Beautiful Goodbye

The Beautiful Empty • Sermon • Submitted a year ago • Presented a year ago

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See You Soon?

The video helps us understand that since we don’t know what tomorrow brings, we might be unable to say, “see you soon.” However, God knows what tomorrow brings. Not just tomorrow, He also knows what infinity brings. We might say this came into play on that night we refer to as Maundy Thursday when Jesus met with his disciples for the Last Supper. “Last Supper” is actually a relative term. It may have been the last time he would sup with them before going to the cross, but it was not the last supper for Jesus and his followers for all time. Even so, let’s take a closer look at that Last Supper and see what the disciples could understand and how it speaks to us today.

John 13:1 ESV

1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

Though the twelve would be unaware of what awaits them in the hours ahead, Jesus knows. The disciples have likely not considered Jesus’ death and would fully expect, where Jesus is concerned, to "see him” later. The day of Jesus’ supper with his closest companions has arrived. The Passover is being celebrated. This meal is meant to remind the Israelites how God freed them from slavery in Egypt. And Jesus has a special, and one might even say memorable, meal in mind.

1. A Place Prepared

Matthew 26:17–19 ESV

17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’ ” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

The disciples don't know where they are going. However, Jesus knows. Specifically, Jesus gives them precise instructions concerning what to do that day. And they do it.

Have you ever thought about this passage? Did Jesus go ahead of the disciples to make an appointment with this un-named man from the Gospel of Matthew? Had this man been given a dream that this would happen? However, like the disciples on that Thursday before Good Friday, we are called to trust that Jesus has made reservations for us.

John 14:1–2 ESV

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

Later that night, Jesus tells his disciples he has not only planned a table for their supper. He has prepared a place for them in eternity with him. In their first-century culture, it was common for parents with sons to have their adult children and their spouses move into the family home after their wedding. This would often require adding to the present structure, preparing a place just for them.

It was a very real thing to just add on and build up in the house to accommodate your newly married kids. I can think of some parents here who would love to have everyone under one umbrella. Right Lorri? ;)

Object Lesson 1: The Prepared Place

(Place the small model house on a table in front of the congregation. As you talk about Jesus preparing a place for his disciples in eternity, begin to add toy building blocks or LEGO bricks to the model house. This illustrates how Jesus is preparing a special place for each one of us in his Father's house. Explain that, just as parents would add rooms to their homes for their adult children, Jesus is making space for all who believe in him in the eternal home he has prepared.)

Jesus draws on this familiar image to assure his disciples (the twelve and us) that he has prepared our place with him. Not just “a” place. “The” place. With him. In eternity.

2. A Meal Provided

Matthew 26:26–29 ESV

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Object Lesson 2: The Provided Meal

(Place a loaf of bread and a chalice or cup filled with grape juice or wine on the table. As you discuss Jesus providing the Passover meal for his disciples, break the bread and pour the grape juice or wine into individual cups. Talk about how Jesus provided for us through His sacrifice), illustrating that

Jesus is the ultimate provision for our spiritual hunger and thirst.

That night Jesus sits down to partake of the Passover meal. A meal that actually tells the story of his eventual sacrifice and our story of redemption through him. While we look back on these words with grateful hearts, it had to be somewhat confusing for the disciples. With the words Jesus uses to describe the bread and the wine, we see Jesus offer himself as THE meal. His body. His blood. Possibly the most oft-repeated verse in the Bible, John 3:16, points us to the reality represented here...

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

The action of love, God-giving his son, is a picture of the provision of God. He has always provided for his children; a place in a garden, freedom from slavery, victory over enemies, and yes, a Savior from sins.

This night would not be the first time Jesus sought to help his followers understand God’s provision is found in him.

John 5:33–35 ESV

33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

3. A Command Personalized

John 13:34–35 ESV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus had just washed the disciple's feet in this passage. He follows that act with these words: “Love one another.” It is not a request. It’s not a suggestion. But, in the language of that day, this was an explicit command. He knows they are about to have a reason to lose faith, to lose hope, and to lose love for others. Jesus is preparing his followers for a time they don't see coming. And here, just as he gave specific instructions for that last meal, Jesus gives a clear command:

Love. One. Another.

Object Lesson 3: A Personalized Command Materials: A basin, a pitcher of water, a towel

(Place a basin, a pitcher of water, and a towel on the table. As you discuss Jesus washing his disciples' feet and giving the command to love one another, talk about caring for a loved one. Explain that Jesus was teaching his disciples about humility, service, and love through this act. Encourage the congregation to find ways to love and serve one another, following Jesus' example of sacrificial love.)

John 10:17–18 ESV

17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Jesus personalizes this command. He will literally do what he had told his disciples in John 10 in hours. He will personalize the command to love others by laying down his own life. On behalf of them. On behalf of us. On behalf of all.

We hear this clearly in Jesus’ words from the cross found in Luke, chapter 23.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said,

Luke 23:33–34 ESV

33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Have you ever wondered who the “them” are in this passage? It seems it is obviously the Roman soldiers who were nailing Jesus to the cross. We could assume it is those who called for his crucifixion, not knowing they were seeking to strike down the son of God. However, the words of our Savior on that hill so long ago are meant for us, also.

Those of us who are like sheep have gone astray.

Those of us who seem to know the right thing to do, but in the end, it leads to death.

Those of us who are helpless, hopeless, and spiritually homeless.

See You Soon!

John 14:3 ESV

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

(Place a calendar, a large clock or stopwatch, and a wrapped gift on the table. Explain that while we don't know the exact timing of when Jesus will return, we have his promise that he will come back for us. Point to the calendar and clock, explaining that our time on earth is limited, but Jesus' promise of eternal life is a gift that has no time constraints. Hold up the wrapped gift, symbolizing the gift of eternal life that Jesus offers to all who believe in him. Encourage the congregation to trust in Jesus' promise and look forward to the day when they will see him again.)

In the video, there was some debate concerning whether it was appropriate to say, "See you soon." However, there is no debate on the words of Christ. We know this. Jesus has gone to prepare a place just for you. And he WILL come back to take you there. Jesus assures us, sooner or later, we will definitely see him again!

So let’s go out from here with hope.

Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us.

Jesus has shown us how to live sacrificially loving.

Jesus has commanded us to love one another.

Let’s live with obedience and with hope.