Steven B Angus

No Greater Inheritance Steven B Angus

Perhaps you were drawn to this book because of its title. The notion that someone like Jesus would even consider having a Last Will and Testament seems out of character with what we know about him. Today we would consider him homeless and the suggestion that he had something of value to bequeath seems ludicrous. The portion of scripture recorded in The Gospel of John, chapters thirteen through seventeen has been referred to by various titles. It is generally believed they are the words Jesus shared with his disciples the night prior to his death on the cross. He began their time together by presenting them with a new commandment. He said, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." Jesus then took a pitcher of water and a basin, wrapped a towel around his waist and washed the disciples' feet. This action demonstrated a love based on service the foundation by which they were to live. Later he would take bread and break it, and then a cup of wine and bless it. He commanded them to eat the bread and drink from the cup in remembrance of him. This second commandment became known as "The Lord's Supper" which foreshadowed how he would die. These two commandments are the basis of a tremendous treasure, yet they only scratch the surface of the great inheritance that Jesus bequeathed that night. The purpose of this book is to help us realize and appreciate all the wonderful gifts that Jesus made available to those who love him. During my time as a pastor, I have spoken with hundreds of people as they have faced the most difficult moment of their lives: the death of a loved one. When it came time to discuss the memorial service for their loved one, a vast majority of them requested the opening words of the fourteenth chapter of the Gospel According to St. John be read. Jesus' words, "Let not your heart be troubled" offered them a sense of comfort and hope. Recalling Jesus words was a reminder that he had provided for them and their loved one a great inheritance. It is a precious gift to hear Jesus say, "I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you" (14:2) however the treasures he offers to us are not only to be acknowledged at the occasion of death. The inheritance is intended for daily life. Our goal is to discover, perhaps for the very first time what our inheritance encompasses. As we learn to love him, we soon discover that there is more than some future glory. The message of the Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ is this: Whoever receives the son receives it all. And there is NO GREATER INHERITANCE!