"The Longing Of The Human Heart”

In Jesus Holy Name May 7, 2023

Text: John 14:1-14 Easter V Redeemer

“The Longing of the Human Heart”

What do you fear? What makes you afraid? An ambulance isn’t the only ride that demands valor. You may be down to your last paycheck. Are you afraid of being rejected, or does that new mole appearing on your back bring worry and fear? Fear can lock us into an emotional prison. Life is important to us, so we do everything we can to keep our heart ticking strong and vibrant.

Most of us this morning are not old enough to remember the name of Dr. Christian Bernard. He was the cardiac surgeon who performed the first heart transplant in 1967. (My gosh…that seems so long ago) He tells the story of one of his transplant patients who asked to see the removed organ. So Dr. Bernard brought the man his heart in a large bottle. As the man looked at the big muscle which once pumped life through his body, the famed surgeon realized that this was the first time in human experience that a person had ever seen his own heart. A historic moment.

But for the patient it was a very personal and moving experience. His old heart was worn out, it if had not been replaced he would no longer be living. After a long pause, the man in gratitude simply said: “I’m glad I don’t have that old heart anymore.” Yet he knew that his new heart would eventually stop and death would come.

The words written by John in chapter 14 are words we have memorized. “In my Father’s house are many rooms.” It is a promise of our eternal destination when our heart stops beating. As we read this passage we find ourselves “listening in” on a conversation between Jesus and his disciples. He is about to be arrested and crucified. Jesus just told Peter that he would deny knowing Him 3 times. He told them that Judas would be a traitor. They are confused. (pod cast Chuck Swindoll December 14, 2022)

Jesus is going to die. He knows it. So He tells his disciples that they will not be able to go with Him where He is going. It will bring a question from Thomas. This news is unexpected and shocking. I’m going to die, but I will live on…so don’t let your hearts be troubled. One of you will betray me but not one of you will miss my return. The words He spoke, we know by heart.

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.1 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I am going there to prepare a place for you and I will come back to take you to be where I am.

The Jewish religion was divided on the topic of death and resurrection. For the Sadducees there are no angels and no resurrection. That’s why they are “so sad you see”! The Sadducees saw the grave as a tragic one way trip. There are people today who agree with the Sadducees view of life and death. It is sad. For they are living life with no hope.

The Pharisees believed in a resurrection, but it was only a spiritual resurrection. Jesus was about to change that reality when on the third day after His crucifixion He would rise with a resurrected glorified body. What did Jesus say to the disciples in the Upper Room on Easter morning when He suddenly appears?

“Why are you troubled? Why do you doubt? Look at my hands and feet, touch me and see that I am not a ghost. A ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” (Luke 24:37-39)

Max Lucado in is book “Fearless” writes: Jesus is promising His disciples more than what the Pharisees believed. Jesus is promising an eternity in God’s eternal home in heaven. Jesus is elevating funerals to the same level of hope and joy we have at weddings. For Jesus, His eyes have the perspective from heaven…He knows what is beyond death’s door. The trip to the cemetery, the trip to the borrowed grave on the outskirts of Jerusalem, for Him is like a walk down the wedding aisle.

There is a wonderful song by the music group, “Mercy Me”.

You probable are familiar with the words:

I can only imagine what it will be like When I walk by Your side

I can only imagine what my eyes will see When Your face is before me

I can only imagine

We don’t deserve it. We haven’t earned it. The halls of heaven are ringing with

music. The music is like none we’ve ever heard. Suddenly, silence. Now, light—blinding light. It is not the end of our journey, but it is the beginning of eternal life in a new heaven and new earth with glorified resurrected bodies…a return to the paradise of Eden. A place of perfect harmony and peace.