Regardless of how we view America’s military involvement on the international stage, one thing is clear from this passage: Jesus has no expectations for his friends to take the world by force. If we are honest with our nations’ history and military entanglements, we will recognize that countries do not consistently fight on the side of altruism and justice, that we are easily deceived by our national agendas. If we see ourselves essentially as American, Japanese, Canadian, German, Kenyan, etc., we will be blind to the teachings of Jesus that assume we are citizens of a “better country” (Hebrews 11:16). And so, we must deeply consider: what does it look like to follow Jesus? We must apply them faithfully as hard words of grace delivered by the Christ who refuses to fight back. But if we are to quote Jesus, we must hear him as he intended his words to be heard. I make this point not to discredit anyone who has fought in a war, and certainly not to disrespect anyone who has lost a friend or a loved one in this way. His sacrifice was a complete submission to the loving plan of the Trinity. Whether or not pacifism resonates with us, however we read the Sermon on the Mount, and in whatever way we interpret America’s presence in the world, we must understand that when Jesus lays down his life, he does so without being embroiled in battle against the Roman government or military. Engaging in war is agreeing to play by the rules of the empires of this world. To be consistent with Jesus’ intentions, however, this verse cannot be applied to those who die in battle for their country, although it is ubiquitously misused in this way. In the last few days I have read the above verse from the Gospel of John pasted over red, white, and blue standards with helmets or bald eagles or praying hands in the background. It is what has inspired me to write this post. In this analogy, we are branches which derive our sustenance from his richness and life. This passage follows a discussion of Jesus as the vine. Yet, he invites them into an abundant life through abiding and resting in him. Jesus, in the greater context of this passage, is reminding his friends it is costly to follow him. If we are left wondering who God is, we look to see who Jesus is. If we want to know what God looks like, God looks like Jesus. In reading this passage, and every passage about Jesus, we not only marvel at the beauty of his divinity and humanity, but also marvel at how we are called to the task of imitation. He was asking them to honor him by imitating him. These famous words of Jesus were not only an extension of his “farewell speech” before his death, but an extension of his directive to remember him as he washed their feet and as he broke the bread and passed the cup (John 13, Luke 22:14-20).
JESUS AND JOHN WAYNE BARNES AND NOBLE FULL
His impending sacrifice was not to be the first, for he had lived a life full of tiny deaths, full of service, compassion, and love for them all. He spoke to them not only as their Rabbi, but as their friend with great love and care. He knew he would eventually lay down his life, not only for them, but for all nations at all times, including, but certainly not exclusively, for ours. What would our final words have been to friends at such a time? Jesus and his closest friends were on their way to pray, where he knew he would be betrayed and had already been betrayed. He had washed their feet and was imparting his final memorable words to them as they made their way to the garden. Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, his friends, as they left the upper room after the Passover meal. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” – John 15:13-14 “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
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