A5- PART R

PART R: Prophecy
PART R: PROPHESY
Jesus declares that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and predicts his
own impending departure, and his disciples’ flight.
Near to the Temple Treasury the Lord
sat down and watched the contributions made.
Donations from the rich were very large
yet one poor widow put in nothing but
two copper coins. Jesus made it clear
her penny’s-worth was representing more
than all the cash donated by the rich.
Their benefactions came from opulence:
her penny constituted all she had.
Someone remarked as he was going out
how beautiful the Temple buildings were
how solid and how finely crafted stood
the stones with which the edifice was built.
‘Make no mistake’ he said, ‘the day will come
when every stone you see will be displaced
and shattered and come falling into dust.
The Temple you admire will not exist.’
The Feast of Passover attracted some
who were not Jews but had an interest
in Jewish Festivals and in their God.
Greek-speaking Gentiles of this sort approached
the Lord’s disciples and requested help
in meeting him, but Jesus was aware
that his own sacrifice was imminent
and that his death would have the consequence
of saving all mankind – Gentile and Jew.
‘Remember this,’ he said ‘that if a grain
of wheat does not drop to the earth and die
it is of no significance at all.
Only by dying is its aim achieved,
and anyone who clings on to this world
and makes a god of all its vanities
will lose it: but the one who turns his back
upon the values of this world will find
a new and everlasting life in heaven.’
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A gospel in blank verse with rhymed parables
If you would serve me, follow in my path.
By doing so, you’ll gain my Father’s trust
and he will honour you. But I myself
am now uncertain and distressed. ‘Father!’
I dare to say, “Don’t ask of me what I
feel bound to do!”And yet I know that this
is why I came…“But, no! Thy will be done
and Thy Name honoured and be glorified!”’
And then there seemed to come a voice from heaven
(though some took it to be a thunderclap).
‘My wishes have already been obeyed
and my name glorified and once again
it will be so.’ ‘For sure, an angel spoke
to him,’ some called aloud. But Jesus said
it was for them and not for him the voice
was heard. They were the beneficiaries.
‘Now comes the time when this world will be judged.
The princes of the world will needs give way
when I am lifted high above the earth
and demonstrate my right to precedence.
Both Jew and Gentile will be reconciled
and all men be attracted to my cause’.
By this he hinted how he was to die.
‘The Law has taught us that the Christ will live,
for ever’, came the voices from the crowd,
‘but what’s all this about the ‘Son of Man’?’
Who is this ‘Son of Man’? How lifted up?’
‘For just a little longer you have light,
So make the most of it while you can see.
When darkness comes, you’ll not know where to go,
but while you have the light, believe in me.
That way, you may become the sons of light.’
Then with these words he disappeared from view
and no-one could discover where he’d gone.
The crowds who’d hung around all heard him say,
‘Not long from now I shall be leaving you
but you will find you cannot follow me.’
The Jews concluded that he’d kill himself.
‘That’s what he means!’ they said. The Lord explained,
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PART R: Prophecy
‘You see, I’m from above: not of this world:
but you are from below, from here on earth.
Unless you take my word, you’ll die in sin,
for I am what I’ve always said I was.
When you have lifted up the Son of Man
you’ll know that I’ve done nothing for myself
and spoken only as my Father wills.
Yes! I have always done what pleases Him
and He’s stayed with me. I am not alone.’
No need to get upset: believe in God.
Believe also in me. My Father’s house
is never short of rooms. I should have said
if that were so. Meanwhile I go ahead
to furnish and mark out a place for you.
Then I’ll return so you can join me there.
You’ll know the way, of course. But Thomas said,
“We don’t know where you’re going. How could we?
We do not even know where we should start.”
‘But, I’m the Way’, the Lord declared.’ I am
the Life: I am the Truth: and no-on finds
the Father but through me. If you had known –
if you had really known – just who it is
I am, you would have known the Father, too.
Now, understand! The Father’s known to you
and you have known about him all along.’
But Philip made a bid for further proof.
“Show us the Father: then we’ll be quite sure.”
‘What! All this time and still you’re unconvinced!
‘How can you say, “Show us the Father now!”
when I myself am in the Father, and,
the Father is in me. You’re still in doubt!?
The words I speak to you are not my own.
The Father says them all ....and we are one
and He it is who works His miracles
from where he dwells. But if you still have doubts
the miracles themselves will prove my words.
Believe in them if you’ve no trust in me.
But let me say, who does believe in me
will bring about strange wonders such as mine.
Indeed, I promise you much more than this
because it’s to the Father that I go.
Ask what you want in my name and it’s yours
so that both Son and Father may be known
and glorified. Trust me and you will see.’
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A gospel in blank verse with rhymed parables
Do not upset yourselves or be afraid.
You’ve heard me tell you that I’m leaving you.
Indeed I am, and you should be well pleased
because it’s to the Father that I go –
and He is much more powerful than I.
I’ve told you this before it’s taken place
so when it happens you will know it’s meant.
There’s not much chance for me to talk to you
for soon the world’s Dark Villain will be here.
He has no power over me, but I
was sent to do the will of He Who Is –
my loving Father. All must understand
that I love Him and want to do His will.
So what I leave to you is peace – my peace.
It’s not a peace the worldly ever know.
I sent you out to teach in villages
and told you not to take a lot of food
nor even extra sandals or a purse.
So did you ever find yourselves in need?’
This was the question Jesus put to them.
‘No! We were never short of anything,’
they said. ‘Well, times have changed. I recommend
that now you carry sandals, bags and purse
and if you have no sword, well, sell your coat
and buy one and go armed. The prophesy
Isaiah writes about has yet to be
fulfilled:- “For sinners he gave up his life
and let himself be called a criminal.”
‘We have two swords between us, that is all.
Look, here they are.’ ‘It is enough’, the Lord
replied.
’Oh! Now at last we start to understand.
Your words are plain: not cloaked in metaphor.
There is no longer need for questioning.
There is no doubt that you have come from God.’
‘Right! Are you there at last!? Yet, truth to tell,
the time is almost here when you will run
for cover and abandon me. You’ll hide
and I’ll be left alone… not quite alone.
My Heavenly Father always stays with me.
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PART R: Prophecy
But this I’ve told you so you’ll be prepared.
You’ll find out that the world’s your enemy.
Times will be hard, but you’ve no cause to fear.
The world that threatens you, I’ve overcome.
You’ve every reason to know happiness.
You’re mine! Your enemy is at your feet.
When two or three meet in my name, I’m there,’
explained the Lord, ‘and if you pray as one
then be assured that you’ll be heard in Heaven.’
The Feast of Passover was getting close
And there was much to do, so Jesus said
To Peter and to John ‘Go and arrange
somewhere for us to eat.’ ‘Where shall we go?’
they asked. ‘Into the city,’ Jesus said,
‘and when you see a man who’s carrying
a jar of water, follow him.’ (This was
a sight less usual than you may think,
for then, such menial tasks were women’s work.)
‘You’ll see him walk into a house and there
you’ll go and greet the householder and ask,
“Where is the guest room which the Lord requires?”
Then they’ll take you to an upper room –
well furnished and prepared.’
The opportunity to warn them all
of what must happen next, came as they sat
stretched out at leisure in this Upper Room.
While they were eating Jesus took some bread
and blessed and broke it – gave to each a piece.
‘This is my body I am giving you.
Take it and eat, and later on do this
in memory of what I’m going to do.’
Then, having filled a cup with wine he said
a prayer of thanks and passed it to them all.
‘This is my blood – another covenant –
my sacrifice of love for everyone.
But from now on no wine will pass my lips
until I drink new wine again with you
within those realms that are my Father’s home’.
When they had finished eating, Jesus stood
and put an apron on. He took a jug,
and pouring water in a bowl, began
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A gospel in blank verse with rhymed parables
to wash and dry the feet of all his friends.
But Peter, chief disciple, when he saw
that his feet, too, would be washed by the Lord,
refused. This was a servant’s job – a slave’s -
some low domestic or some underling.
How could he take this from the Son of God?’
‘I’ll never let you wash my feet,’ he said.
‘I know you do not understand as yet
why I do this,’ the Lord replied. ‘You will!
If you refuse, you’ll be no part of me.’
‘Then wash not just my feet, but head and hands
and every bit of me!’ was the reply.
‘If you have bathed already, only feet
need to be washed. The rest of you is clean.
Now, Peter, you are clean from top to toe:
but this cannot be said of everyone.’
The Lord was well aware he’d be betrayed.
So, when he’d washed the feet of all the Twelve
he took his seat and said to them, ‘ You call
me Lord and Teacher as indeed I am,
but like a slave I’ve washed your dirty feet.
That’s my example. You should follow it.
Make sure that you too wash each other’s feet.
Yes, that’s the Master’s bidding. Hear my words.
No servant tells his master what to do
No pupil contradicts his teacher’s wish.
Nor is the one who’s sent a greater one
than He it is who sends. I have been sent’.
Then, having sung a hymn, they went outside
towards the Mount of Olives, where the Lord
attracted their attention by a quote
from Zechariah. This is what he said.
‘“When I have struck the shepherd, all the sheep
will run away.” ‘Because of me’, he said,
‘tonight you’ll all be scattered, every one:
for you will all desert me.’ ‘I shall not,’
said Peter, ‘and whatever others do
I’m ready to face prison at your side,
indeed, lay down my life.’ ‘I’ll tell you what,’
the Lord declared, ‘before the cock has crowed –
before tomorrow’s dawn – three times you will
deny you’ve ever known me.’ ‘We shall not!’
they all affirmed. We’ll stay and die with you.’
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PART R: Prophecy
But Jesus said no more in this regard.
‘Within three days you’ll see me once again
In Galilee when I have been raised up.’
Meanwhile, the High Priest, Caiaphas, convened
A conference of Elders, much concerned
about the growing influence of one
young Galilean who had thus far
trounced them in public argument
and threatened both their influence and power.
But there had been a new development.
Within the Palace walls they planned a way
of getting hold of Jesus quietly
and putting him to death. ‘We’d best take care.’
they said. ‘Not during Passover, or we
might provoke a riot in the streets.’
Jesus continued talking to the Twelve.
‘The followers I have, I’ve picked with care.
I was aware of what the choice entails.
The Scriptures have to be fulfilled. Oh, yes!
Look in the Psalms, you’ll find the prophecy.
“The one who eats my bread has lifted up
his heel to threaten me”. Remember that,
so when it happens, you’ll believe I am
the One: and who receives the One who’s sent
receives the One who sent him. Here I am!’
At which point Jesus was himself distressed.
‘Ah! One of you will treat me treacherously!
Yes! One of you who’s eating with me now!
No one was sure to whom he had referred.
Each seemed afraid lest he should be to blame.
But Simon Peter signalled to young John
as he was lolling by the Master’s side.
‘Find out for me which one of us it is.’
John whispered to the Lord, ‘Who is it, then?’
‘Just watch and you will learn,’ the Lord replied.
‘It is the one who’ll dip his bread into
the common dish when I dip mine. You’ll see!’
Judas Iscariot did so: and yet
it was to him whom Jesus turned and said,
‘Do get on with the job you have to do.’
None of the listeners quite understood
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A gospel in blank verse with rhymed parables
what ‘job’ was to be done, but since he was
the treasurer, it may have had to do
with further preparations for the feast
which would have several days to run. Perhaps
The Lord’s concern for those in poverty
was what it was about and Judas had
been sent to help the ones who could not feast
upon the festive days. As for Judas,
he, silently, left them to eat, and stepped
into the night. As Jesus looked on those
on whom he hoped he could rely, perhaps
he chose to speak another parable.
The Parable of the Salt
Salt of the earth are you –
You disciples – you few.
But you must strive in haste
That all may have fore-taste
Of that new kingdom
In which all are welcome –
The Kingdom of God-made Man
Planned since the world began.
Each must play his part
And must not lose heart.
If you cease to labour
Your message will lose its savour.
What I have told you quietly, go and shout.
What I have murmured, yell for all to hear.
Was it once secret? Make it plain to see.
What was once private can be noised abroad.
No tiny detail’s ever missed by God
He is aware of every sparrow’s death
but has a special love for humankind.
Nothing escapes His notice. Never fear!
He knows how many hairs are on your head.
You who remain my followers on earth
I shall acknowledge when we meet at death.
If you reject me now, I’ll turn away
on Judgement Day before the Court of Heaven
So have no fear of those who have no power
to kill the soul, though they may take your life.
Fear God and tread my path courageously.
That way eternal happiness is yours.
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PART R: Prophecy
The time had come for Jesus to make clear
how near they were to shattering events.
The elders and the chief priest and the scribes
would charge him and arrest him: thereupon
he would face certain death, but afterwards
in just three days, he would rise up again.
These things would happen in Jerusalem.
Then Jesus said to them… (and to us all)
‘My Father has loved me and I love you.
Join me in being the recipients
of my own Father’s love. Do as I’ve said.
I’ll go on loving you, for what I’ve done
is in obedience to His commands.
You know I’ll go on loving you as long
as you are doing what He asks of you.
All this I’ve told you. You can share my joy
and it will be an everlasting joy.
No one can show his love more certainly
than giving up his life to save his friends.
You are my friends and if you walk my way
you’ll be no longer servants – in the dark
not knowing what your master thinks. You’ll know
just everything my Father has passed on.
You know that I chose you: you didn’t choose me.
You are the ones I chose, because it’s you
who’ve been deputed to bear fruit culled from
my Father’s vineyard, that will last… and last.
So what you ask the Father in my name
He may well grant. But one more thing: this one.
It’s a commandment, and importantly
you all must follow it. It is to love!
…you all must love each other – always love!
And, Judas having left, Jesus began
to speak to the Eleven of other things
of paramount importance – of himself:
of the great glory that would soon be his:
and what had been the purpose of his life.
God would be glorified by it: what’s more,
The Son of Man would share that glory too.
‘My little ones’ he said ‘it’s not long now
before I go: and as I told the Jews,
however much you want to go with me
you’ll find you can’t. It is impossible.
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A gospel in blank verse with rhymed parables
But when I’ve gone, remember my command.
As much as I’ve loved you, you too must love
each other. That is to be your hallmark,
the way in which you(a)re recognised as mine.
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