On the last day of Bible study class before summer break, after months of rich conversation and seemingly endless theological debates, a critical question remained before us: If you had the opportunity to ask Jesus one question, what would it be?
[Jesus said,] “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” – John 13:34b (NRSVUE)
The first two responses picked up themes of earlier conversations: “What is the most important thing to teach our children?” and “Does someone have to believe in you to be a good person?”
There was a pause before a third person vulnerably offered, “I want to ask Jesus, ‘How am I doing?’” The rest of the group quickly proclaimed, “Yes, that’s it! That’s what we all want answered!”
How am I doing? This is the question prophets called out on high while trying to get their people to turn toward God. It’s the one I imagine the disciples pestered Jesus with each time they came back from the harvest. It’s the one that is the foundation of my middle-of-the-night ruminations on the past and my daytime anxieties about the future.
None of us got a direct response from Jesus that day, and we certainly weren’t bold enough to answer for ourselves by bragging, “I’m totally winning at life!” but something else did happen.
Moments later, we looked back on our season together and spontaneously began affirming one another. We named the courage of the person who came for the first time and then kept coming back. We reflected on the commitment someone had for passing on his values to his children and grandchildren. We celebrated the person who approached health challenges with strength and determination.
We gave each other the answers we longed to hear from Jesus, loving each other exactly the way that Jesus loves us.
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for the people who remind us that together, we’re doing okay.
About the author
Liz Miller serves as the Designated Pastor of Granby Congregational Church, UCC and is the author of Only Work Sundays: A Laidback Guide to Doing Less while Helping Your Church Thrive.