Having chosen to preach on John 5 since it is not often available in the Sunday lectionary, I am trying to find ways that it fits with Eastertide and the Ascension that approaches. What you’ve written here may not help my sermon, but it is much appreciated all the same.
I am struck with the single line the paralytic utters, "I have no one," and what Jesus is trying to do in that great speech and prayer in John 14-17 is to remind them that they have each other and, through the coming Advocate, they have him. It is antithetical to Christian community for anyone to say "I have no one," and maybe at this point in the Easter season, it is appropriate to be reminded that we are here to help each other into the healing waters.
Having chosen to preach on John 5 since it is not often available in the Sunday lectionary, I am trying to find ways that it fits with Eastertide and the Ascension that approaches. What you’ve written here may not help my sermon, but it is much appreciated all the same.
Feel free to share any hints with others who are on the same path!
I am struck with the single line the paralytic utters, "I have no one," and what Jesus is trying to do in that great speech and prayer in John 14-17 is to remind them that they have each other and, through the coming Advocate, they have him. It is antithetical to Christian community for anyone to say "I have no one," and maybe at this point in the Easter season, it is appropriate to be reminded that we are here to help each other into the healing waters.