Frank Cibik

Context

Jesus at Supper.

Reveals it is the Last Supper to his disciples.

Grief and shock.

Jesus offers comfort.

Text

John 14:1–6 ““Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.”Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:25–27 ““I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Exegesis 1: I Go Ahead of You

Jesus had been preparing them for this night, but when the reality hits it is still overwhelming.

He encourages them to cling to their faith. You believe in God. Believe in me.

Jesus is going ahead of them to prepare a place.

A dwelling place that will not pass away.

So that there will be reunion.

Application: Reunion

Frank struggled with health for decades. Last years and months very difficult.

Still, when the death actually comes, it is difficult to face.

The Lord desires to comfort us.

With his promise of reunion.

A great delight to Frank who prioritized the relationships around him.

doted on his children. Eating together. Going on walks. Wearing the tie you picked out for him.

Loved his life-long wife. Cruises.

Got up early to keep time available for family.

Beloved Coach and Teacher: Loved to be with people.

Christ has prepared a place where that is honored. He is united to those who have gone before and awaits those who will come.

Exegesis: I am the Way

Thomas says we do not know the way.

You are talking about heaven, never been there, seen it, etc.

Jesus says, I am the way.

The relationship is the Kingdom in expectation

Application: Frank knew Jesus in this life and knows him in the next

Roman Catholic, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian

Religious, yes, even more. Genuine faith.

I saw glimpses of it. brief prayer together. Attendance at church.

Faith that kept hims strong through the challenges of life — like in It’s a wonderful life.

The faith he had in this life, has become sight in the next.

Exegesis 3: Holy Spirit will remind and comfort

Still, not easy to have faith in the midst of grief.

Jesus promises a helper. The Holy Spirit. God with us.

Action of reminding us.

Not just as sentimental or to provoke pain. But to say this was a gift from God. And points toward reunion. Long for heaven based on experience here.

Disciples forever encouraged, remembering Jesus and who they were together, they longed for the future reunion.

Application: Remember with hope

The Holy Spirit among us now and in the days ahead.

Calling back memories, to be welcomed.

Simple things: Picking out his tie, and he wore it.

Jokes so bad they were good.

Popcorn.

More serious: Hugs. Love.

All a gift from God, kept safe in heaven for you.

Conclusion

Jesus went through death, purposeful. Frank has followed.

His life here assures us of his life there.

We remember and hope for reunion.