The peace of Pentecost

Sermon by Pr. Sharai Jacob on the Day of Pentecost + Saturday, June 7, 2025

This week I’ve heard over and over again that people are worried. There is unchecked power running rampant, abducting innocent people from their homes and jobs. Leaving children abandoned, and communities broken. The facade of safety has fallen for many Americans. People are being attacked, even killed, for who they love, how they present themselves, what they believe, where they’re from, the color of their skin. Often without repercussions for their attackers. We are living through a time that is turbulent and unpredictable. Our government has drastically changed before our eyes, our views of the world are shifting and it’s terrifying to wonder what might happen next.

In our Gospel reading this week, we see the disciples struggling to process their reality too. Jesus has been eating a meal with them, the Last Supper. He then begins to tell them that one of them will betray him, and that he will leave them soon. He predicts his own death saying, “Where I am going, you cannot follow.”

We often hear of the disciples as lacking faith. I grew up hearing their questions mocked and their stories read like comedy. But their freedom in asking questions and wondering together is really a sign of a truly caring and understanding relationship with Jesus. If we could place ourselves in the shoes of the disciples. They have been growing in friendship with Jesus and one another. Jesus has been teaching and leading them along the way. They felt a sense of safety and belonging with Jesus and their community of disciples. Now they have gathered for a meal together. They were probably laughing and joking, until Jesus spoke up. Now they are suddenly forced to confront the idea that Jesus won’t be with them much longer.

If you’ve ever had a friend or loved one tell you they are seriously ill, or maybe you’ve discovered it on your own. You know how the disciples would have felt. Their world was shaken, broken. Peter is the first to confess a deep mourning, “Why can’t I come with you? I would lay down my life for you!”

Jesus tries to offer them comfort, but it only leads to more questions. Thomas asks “What do you mean we know the way?” Jesus answers, “I am the way the truth and the life.” Then Philip begins our reading, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” These questions from the disciples are not part of some theological debate. This conversation is not a test of their faith and knowledge. They are mourning in advance. These are exclamations of lament. They are trying to wrap their heads around a future they feel wholly unprepared for. I wonder if anyone here today can relate?

In our own turbulent and confusing reality, words of comfort aren’t always enough. We’re struggling to understand not only what is happening but how we should respond to it. Those who seem to know for sure, all seem to disagree. And when it comes down to what we’re supposed to be doing to set things right - nobody knows how. We’re stuck in a cycle of questions without clear answers.

And what the disciples are asking for in our reading today is just that – a clear answer. Phillip asks to see the father but it seems like he’s really saying, “I think we’ll be okay, if we could just understand more…” He’s searching for something tangible and sturdy they can hold on to when Jesus is gone.

And Jesus responds, not to rebuke him for a lack of faith or understanding, but to explain, “You know me, so you know the father through me!” This is Jesus offering that sturdy tangible answer, but in order to understand Jesus’ answer, we need to ask a few questions too:

First, Why does Jesus use the name, “Father” to describe God?

The word Father stirs different ideas and emotions depending on the experiences each of us has had with father figures. For many, the image of “Father” is one of domination, hierarchy, and emotional distance. Maybe this image carries with it the shadows of abuse.

The image that Jesus is referring to does not express hierarchy or violence, but closeness through a safe and trusting relationship.

Jesus is describing a deep relational connection with God.

After explaining this, Jesus goes on to say that the disciples will do greater works than his own. I don’t think I’ve seen much greater works than Jesus’ walking on water. So our second question, what did Jesus mean when he said we would do “greater works”?

Jesus is referring to a different kind of value. Not more impressive or more impossible things. But things like, persevering through troubling times. Like choosing to lean into building and maintaining relationships instead of accepting that it’s “every man for himself.”

Jesus is not dismissing our fear or the fear of the disciples, but he is commissioning our courage.

We believe in Jesus, and Jesus believes in us, too.

Clearly these “greater works” are meant to happen with the help of the Holy Spirit. So, our third question, if the Holy Spirit is not empowering us to miraculously heal the sick, then what does the Holy Spirit actually do?

Later in the chapter, Jesus calls the Spirit, the Advocate, meaning: supporter, defender, comforter.

Jesus explains, “I will not leave you orphaned.” The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ continued presence with us.

Just like the disciples experienced Jesus as a supporter, defender, teacher, and comforter, we experience the same Jesus present with us through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, not to perform amazing miracles, but to do relational work. To draw us together, to teach us to lean on each other, to build our courage, and to point us in the right direction.

Towards the end of this chapter in John, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Our last question then is, how do we tap into that peace?

The Peace that Jesus gives is the kind of peace we can hold onto in troubling times.

We don’t tap into Jesus’ peace by pretending everything is fine while the world burns.

We can find the peace that holds steady in the storm by intentionally seeking the presence of the Holy Spirit – however you experience it.

And by being together, leaning on one another, living our lives with increasing awareness of our deep need for each other.

The peace of Pentecost is like the peace you find in a friendship that allows you to be fully yourself. It comes to us through genuine, open, and trusting, relationships with God and with people.

When we face this turbulent, uncertain, and often dangerous time. It’s only natural to be afraid. It’s only natural to be confused and hurt and worried. Jesus and the disciples have been where we are. And they’ve left us with something to hold onto. They’ve encouraged us to lean on one another as a community and to lean into the Holy Spirit’s presence when we have questions or need rest, hope, or direction. Jesus reminds us that he believes in us too. That we are capable of great things when we work together. And Jesus shows us that even while we address the callous realities of the world, we can always find peace through the beauty of community with God and people.