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What light does Jesus’ teaching shed on the coronation weekend? (John 14:6)
Context
Plans for the coronation weekend
The vicious power struggle continues in Sudan
Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
John 14 is something approaching a mission statement from Jesus. He explains to his disciples what he is about and how he will move forward. Key to all this is John 14:6 where once again Jesus describes himself using the I am format. Here he uses the threefold description - way, truth and life.
In a sense the king’s design of the coronation weekend is a mission statement. He includes people of different faiths. He seeks to combine the traditional with the innovative. He both looks back to his heritage and forward to his hopes for the future.
The coronation service is a statement of faith. In it the power and the calling of God are recognised. Prayers are offered that God will guide the king and his people in the right way forward. As a man of faith the king claims God’s presence and power in his life and seeks to follow God’s way.
Many people will celebrate The Big Lunch. Community events have been organised and these will range from sharing cake after a church service to full-blown street parties. It’s a recognition of the importance of community, of eating together, sharing together and being together. The truth is we are not solitary creatures. It is part of our nature to be together with others and offer friendship and mutual support. Jesus is recorded in the gospels frequently as eating with people. He was very much part of whichever community he found himself in.
Bank Holiday Monday is to be The Big Help Out. In tribute to his majesty the klng's public service, people are being encouraged to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas as a means of bringing communities together and creating a lasting volunteering legacy from the coronation weekend.
Put together, the weekend is a celebration of life and its potential to be lived in all its fullness. However, we also recognise that we belong to a global community and that, as celebrations happen in the UK and the Commonwealth, war continues in Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen. This reminds us that life in all its fullness is a life of peace and that the desire for peace should shape our actions and prayers.
Jesus, in describing himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life, sets out a role model for relationships which lead ultimately to peace. The Way is a faith-filled relationship with God as revealed in Jesus and present in the Holy Spirit. The Truth is that we are all part of a wider community in which we find and offer mutual support. The Life is found through serving those around us whether they be in our local community or thousands of miles away across the world.
Questions for discussion
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
- How would you explain what it means to follow the Jesus Way?
- In a world of distrust and fake news, how can we be sure that Jesus is the Truth?
- What characterises the life that Jesus offers?
Revd Stuart Wild is the Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
This weekend is one that will be remembered for a very long time. We’ve witnessed so many historic events over the last few years that we could be in danger of taking it for granted but, this weekend, we celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
The rows of Westminster Abbey will be filled with dignitaries, celebrities and special guests from all over the world, each of whom have been given a place at the ceremony. Many of those who will gather will come in an official capacity, representing their nation, community organisation, their family or state. Meanwhile, the streets of the capital city will be filled with men, women and children from across the country and around the world, all gathered to wave their flags and hoping to catch a glimpse of the new king.
In John 14, we are shown that Jesus is the earthly representative of his father. King Jesus, ruler of heaven and earth comes close to the ordinary man, woman and child and makes a promise. He has made room for each of us, not to be held at a distance, but right in his very home.
Becky May is founder of The Resources Cupboard
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