Today’s Reading: John 17:1-12; Psalm 53

Jesus knew he was about to be arrested and crucified, yet He was concerned for us.

Jesus knew that the world would not like us, so He prayed for God’s protection on us.

Jesus knew He was the only way to eternal life, so He willingly died for us.

RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. – John 17:1-5

Desiring for those who believe in Him to have eternal life, yet knowing the one way for that to happen was for us to know God, Jesus willingly left heaven and came to earth so that we could get to know God by getting to know Him – that we could find our way HOME. Jesus, knowing our natural struggle to believe, became flesh so that He could personally deliver the message of salvation.

“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.” – John 17:6-8

Jesus considered the disciples as a gift from God. The deep relationships he built with his closest companions while on earth were a reflection of the generosity of the Father, and their response of faith to all he had taught him was a blessing in return.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.” – John 17:9-12

SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION

How beautiful the words of our Savior as He prayed for God to protect His followers. How comforting to know that He still prays for that kind of protection over us.

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” – John 17:15-19

Out of all the things Jesus could have prayed for in that moment, he was led by the Spirit to pray for holiness for believers. And how are we made holy? By the truth found in God’s word. There is a transformation that takes place within us as we soak in the scriptures and allow the righteousness of God to be produced in us. When we look for truth in the bible, rather than what the world offers up as truth, we find ourselves at HOME in relationship with God, and we are never the same.

RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!” – John 17:22-24

We are so unworthy of the sacrifice Christ made for us. He died so that we can be made holy by God’s truth. He gave his life so that we can experience perfect unity – Christ in us and God in Christ – so that others may see and believe.

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” – John 17:25-26

Jesus knew that the moment of his arrest was coming. He knew that his time with the disciples was drawing to an end and he prayed for them. He prayed for them and he prayed for us. What a privilege this morning to be a RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS, a SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION and a RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE! How overwhelming to know He died so that I can live. How incredible to know that Jesus is still revealing Himself to me. What a great day to be a follower of Christ!

Today’s Reading: John 15:18-16:4; Psalm 59

I love to hear the stories of Olympic athletes and then watch as their journey of hard work and dedication becomes the reality of a medal around their neck. I enjoy hearing the football player who intentionally chooses to give glory to God when they are pulled over to the microphone following a big win. And I especially love the moment when an athlete throws their arms in the arm, looks to the sky and has a moment of praising the God who has been with them on their journey. Athlete after athlete has used their platform to give glory to Jesus for what their body and mind were able to accomplish.

STAND TALL WHILE THE CROWD IS CHEERING.

In that moment, the world is cheering them on, but we also know the reality that the cheering will soon cease. Patience with those who use their big moment to glorify God runs out and many criticize the athlete, looking for holes in their faith and hoping for the moment when this follower of Christ will mess up. They quickly pull their support of the athlete, just as millions threaten to bring down Christian businesses like Chick-fil-a or Hobby Lobby.

STAND TALL WHEN THE CHEERING CEASES.

Jesus spoke of how this world would treat his followers and how the ruler of this world would be an enemy seeking to destroy them. He mentioned this in his prayer for his disciples and spoke of it often when preparing them for what the world would do to him. Let’s look at the words recorded by John:

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” – John 15:18-19

Just like the disciples, we have been chosen to come out of the world. We do not conform to the patterns of this world; we do not allow ourselves to get swept away by an allegiance to popular culture or trends of thought. No, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and we marry ourselves to the truth found in scripture. Do not expect applause for your faith decision; do not anticipate that your life will be easy when you choose to follow Christ instead of chasing after the latest philosophies of this world. They went to great lengths to silence Jesus and the same will happen to you.

“Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me…Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.” – John 15:18-21, 23

So what do we do with this disheartening prediction of our future? What do we do with Jesus’ warning that the world will hate us as it hated Jesus?

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning.” – John 16:1-4a

When we are treated unkindly because of our faith or made fun of for our conservative beliefs, it helps to be reminded of these words of Jesus. When mistreatment leaves us feeling discouraged or defeated, we can remember that we are not alone. When we are falsely accused, our reputation is slandered, and our words are twisted to pervert the truth, it helps to be reminded that God is watching over us.

STAND TALL BECAUSE GOD IS STANDING WITH YOU.

You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,
for you, O God, are my fortress.
In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.
He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies. – Psalm 59:9-10

God surrounds us on all sides because he is our fortress; He joins us in the battle because He is our hero. For that reason, we choose joy when hard times come and we praise Him for being our refuge. Thank you for the gift of your presence, Father God! We are so grateful for this reminder that you are standing with us through the good and the bad. You are my refuge, my place of safety, and I love you!

But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love. – Psalm 59:16-17

Today’s Reading: John 16:16-33; Psalm 120

“In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean?…”

Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.” – John 16:16-22

UNLIMITED JOY

The disciples were going through a time of confusion. They wanted to understand what Jesus was saying, yet also hoped they were not understanding. Because if they did understand what Jesus was saying, it would be more than they could bear. They loved Jesus and the thought of him leaving them was inconceivable. So they kept asking him questions; they kept hoping for a different explanation.

Jesus did not pull back from the truth. He explained to them that he would soon be leaving them; he warned them that there was great sorrow ahead. Their grief would be great, but the joy he was promising them would be even greater. He compared this time of going from great pain to great joy as the moment a woman’s labor ends and she gives birth to her newborn baby. He promised them that there was a day coming when the happiness they would experience would be theirs forever.

ABUNDANT JOY

“At that time, you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy…I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.” – John 16:23-27

When we completely put our faith in God, believing He hears our prayers and will be faithful to respond according to His perfect will, we experience abundant joy. When we let go of our own hopes and dreams, placing them in His loving hands, we experience a contentment that can easily be described as peace.

UNLIMITED PEACE

“Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:28-33

There is no guarantee that our world will be trouble-free, but there is a promise that we can have peace. Life will have struggles but we know that we are not alone. It may seem like the enemy is winning at times but, take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. And this same Jesus is offering to us a connection that allows us to remain in Him through the good times and the bad. This same Jesus promises that his resources are unlimited.

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. – Psalm 120:1

I spend time daily studying God’s word, but I am not sure I have done more than scratch the surface of what it means to be connected to Him and to remain in Him. If I want to produce fruit in my life, if I want to save myself from drought, I need to fully devote myself to the True Grapevine. If I want to experience joy and peace in the midst of sorrow and loss, I simply need to have the faith to remain in him. There is no limit to what He wants to give me. I simply need to stop limiting how much of him I am receiving. I need to stay HOME.

Today’s Reading: John 15:1-8; Psalm 1

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” – John 15:1-4

THIS WORLD HAS LIMITED RESOURCES TO OFFER.

The summer of 2011, we were living in Texas during a severe drought. Restrictions were placed on how much water we could use to irrigate our yard or wash our car or fill our pool. Every month or so the level of water restrictions was increased until we could only water our yard every other week and it had to be before 10am and after 6pm. Everything turned brown. The ground had huge cracks in it, roads were buckling and lakes were closed to recreational activity. Soil was pulling away from the foundations of buildings, causing cracks in walls and causing doors to not close properly.

The following summer, we were living in Illinois during yet another severe drought. But this time there were no water restrictions — no signs on every corner or city officials driving around fining people for using their water at the wrong time. Trees were drying out and lawns were brown from the hot, dry summer we were experiencing, but there were no concerns that the water was going to completely run out. The grass was dry but there were no restrictions stopping us from turning on the sprinklers to water the grass and save the lawn. The source of water was readily available, all we had to do was connect our dry areas to the source.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great joy to my Father.” – John 15:5-8

JESUS IS AN ENDLESS SOURCE.

We have friends from Ethiopia — Ermias and Mulu Mekuria. I have never met two people as devoted to their prayer life as this couple. They get up every morning at 3 a.m. and spend time worshiping and praying together for a couple of hours, then they go back to sleep. When someone asks them to pray for a situation, they follow through and daily lift that person up to the Lord in prayer. Time after time, they have laid their hands on someone and prayed for healing and God has answered their prayer. Listen carefully. God hears them and answers their prayer! Why? It’s not about WHO they are but to WHOM they are connected (the True Grapevine), and it is about where they are remaining (HOME).

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” – John 15:7

Let’s not focus so much on the last half of this sentence that we miss the context provided in the first half. IF you remain in me and my words remain in you, THEN you may ask for anything you want and it will be granted. Are we experiencing God answering our prayers? If not, perhaps we should consider what it takes to be connected to the source – what it really means to REMAIN there.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with my Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

Lord, I long to remain in your presence this morning and throughout my day. I praise you for being the God who equips and sustains, who fills and restores. Thank you for this connection, for this “home” in which I find my hope and confidence. I offer up my requests to you this morning, for myself and for those around me. Thank you for hearing my prayer and for answering according to your perfect will. May I be a conduit of your love and grace in the lives of others, and may your Spirit produce fruit through me today. Amen.

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8

Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do. – Psalm 1:1-3

Today’s Reading: John 16:5-15; Psalm 63

I cannot drink my coffee black. I know, it’s ridiculous, but I prefer some kind of sweetened creamer in my morning coffee. I am usually a hazelnut girl but last week I picked up a flavor I have never seen at the grocery store — pina colada creamer. That’s right. Pineapple and coconut flavored creamer. I was not sure if I would like it, but it is delicious. So why am I talking about my fruit flavored coffee? Stay tuned.

“But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.” – John 16:5-7

Jesus’ explanation to his disciples helps us understand how we can stay connected to him today. Jesus is going to remain in the Father and we are going to remain in Him and He is going to remain in us. This connection is where the Father and His Son make their HOME with each of us. It is in this connection that Jesus reveals Himself to us because He loves us and we love Him, therefore God loves us!

HE CALLED THIS CONNECTION “HOME”.

Obey me because you love; love by obeying. His instructions are simple and his gift of the Holy Spirit is generous. He does not ask us to do something he has not equipped us to do.

It comes down to love and obedience. But sometimes loving and obeying is easier said than done. That is the beauty of God’s plan. You see there is One more who is involved in this connection that makes it possible for us to live a life that is characterized by love and obedience — one that makes this connection possible. Jesus explains this incredible gift He is giving in order for us to do what He is commanding us to do.

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives WITH you now and later will be IN you…When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” – John 14:16-17,26

THE SPIRIT LIVES WITH YOU BECAUSE THE SPIRIT LIVES IN YOU.

“And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment…When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’” – John 16:8,13-15

I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. It is the voice of the Holy Spirit that convicts me of my sin and guides me into truth. It is through this Spirit of truth that I hear from Jesus. It is the work of the Spirit that changes me and strengthens me, producing fruit in my life — the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Did you catch that first fruit? He produces love in me! Isn’t that great? The love the Spirit produces in me is what makes it possible for me to do as Jesus commands — to love each other. The Spirit produces the love of Christ in me and, when I do what He has asked me to do, I remain in that love! As the Spirit produces love in me, I remain in the love of Jesus and He remains in the love of the Father. I love what Jesus called this connection — He called it “HOME” (John 14:23).

LET’S STAY HOME TODAY.

Let’s remain in this connection or relationship — let’s remain in His love! Then as we go about our day, we still have access to the love of Jesus living within us that empowers us to love others as Jesus would love them. And this is all because we stay home — we stay connected to God the Father and Jesus the Son through the power of the Spirit producing his fruit in us.

Fruit in my morning coffee – what a great idea!:)

Today’s Reading: John 14:15-31 and 15:9-17

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” – John 14:15-17

IF YOU LOVE ME, OBEY MY COMMANDMENTS. —John 14:15

It’s a simple but very strong statement made by Jesus. He goes on to explain what it looks like for someone to respond to their love for Jesus by obeying what He has told them to do and how He has told them to live.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:9-17

YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHAT I COMMAND. — John 15:14

This is another strong statement made by Jesus. If you truly love me, if you are really my friend, you will obey what I command. He then goes on to clearly define what He is commanding His friends to do – Love each other! Love each other the way I have loved you. I am about to lay my life down for you, my friends. That is the kind of love I am asking from you — to love me with that kind of love and to love each other with that kind of love.

That is a strong request for Jesus to ask from us — no, not a request but a command. Some people are easy to love and some people are hard to love. We are human and Jesus is asking us to do something that stretches us beyond ourselves. But Jesus does not ask us to love in our own strength. We could, for a very little while, but our love for others would not last long if we are trying to produce something from nothing — love for someone who is hard to love, who possibly does not give love in return.

Jesus goes on to explain how this is going to work. He is going to remain in the Father and we are going to remain in Him and He is going to remain in us. This connection is where the Father and His Son make their HOME with each of us. It is in this connection that Jesus reveals Himself to us because He loves us and we love Him, therefore God loves us! Let’s look at the Scripture that draws the picture of our connection with God the Father and Jesus the Son.

“When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them…All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our HOME with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me.” – John 14:20-21, 23-24a

ANYONE WHO DOESN’T LOVE ME WILL NOT OBEY ME. — John 14:24a

Obey me because you love; love by obeying. His instructions are simple and his gift of the Holy Spirit is generous. He does not ask us to do something he has not equipped us to do. Let’s open up our hearts and allow God to make His HOME in us.

Lord, through all the generations
you have been our home!
Before the mountains were born,
before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
from beginning to end, you are God. – Psalm 90:1-2

Father God, we thank you for your gift of the Spirit — the gift that gives us the strength to obey and the heart to love others. Thank you for the privilege of being an instrument of your purposes and plan. Just as Jesus confided in his disciples, we will be still and available to hear from you. Equip us this morning for all you want to accomplish in and through us. Thank you for making your home in us and for the presence of your Spirit that will prompt us. Today is not my own; I give it to you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 14:15-31; Psalm 85

Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” – John 14:22

Jesus touched the lives of thousands of people during his three years of ministry. People heard his parables and their hearts were opened to the truth. Jesus touched the eyes of the blind and they could see; he healed the ears of the deaf and they could hear. Families who were grieving watched Jesus raise their loved one from the dead, and they were never the same!

But during his three years of ministry, there were twelve men that Jesus invested in day and night. These men were chosen for a reason and had been called for a purpose. So now, in this last week of his life, Jesus completely turned his focus on them. He revealed to them what was about to happen and then spoke to them about what was ahead.

What Judas did not understand was that Jesus was not revealing himself ONLY to the disciples, rather he was revealing himself to the world THROUGH his disciples. By taking this intentional time to teach his disciples, Jesus would be making an impact on generation after generation for thousands of years to come.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

Jesus’ time on earth was coming to an end in the physical sense, but he was far from finished impacting the world he had created with the Father. Through his remaining disciples, Jesus would multiply those called to preach the gospel until the message of Jesus Christ would spread throughout the whole world. The church began through the work of a small group of men and it continues today. By revealing truth to his disciples, Jesus was equipping them to reveal truth to the world. Now all they needed to do was live each day in obedience to the Holy Spirit, who was coming to guide them.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” – John 14:15-21

Jesus revealed himself to his disciples while on the earth, then he continued to reveal himself through the Spirit after his ascension. In the same way, Jesus continues to reveal himself to us today. And just as the disciples were part of God’s plan to bring the world to repentance, we are also part of that plan.

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” – John 14:23-26

Lord, thank you so much for sending your Spirit to teach us and to guide us each day. We ask you to do great things through us today. We are willing and available to be used by you in the lives of those around us. When things get difficult and persecution sets in, we ask for you to fill us with a peace that can only come from the abiding presence of your Spirit. Amen.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.” – John 14:27-31

Today’s Reading: John 14:1-18; Psalm 80

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” – John 14:1

Jesus was in the upper room with his disciples, explaining to them all that was about to happen. He had just washed their feet and Judas had already left the room to betray Jesus. It was just the eleven of them now, listening to Jesus. What Jesus was saying was stirring up many emotions for them so four of the disciples spoke up, asking Jesus for clarification.

Peter wanted to know where Jesus was going and why he could not go with him. Thomas wanted to know how they could be expected to find the way to where Jesus was going if they did not know where he was heading. Philip wanted Jesus to show them the Father before he left, and Judas (not the one who already left the room but the other one) wanted to know why Jesus was choosing them to reveal all of this information instead of sharing it with the whole world.

LOSS OF ACCESS

For three years, Jesus had just been an arm’s reach away. He had been available to answer their questions and teach them through parables. They had left their families and their lives to be wherever Jesus was, and they were now very accustomed to his presence. If Jesus was leaving them and they were not allowed to follow, that meant Jesus would no longer be accessible to them whenever they wanted to talk to him or listen to him or just sit quietly in his presence.

LOSS OF DIRECTION

For three years, the disciples had followed Jesus wherever he led them. They did not have to decide where to go because they had already decided who to follow. But if they did not know the way to where Jesus was going, how were they going to be able to follow him? They were sitting across the table from him, yet they were already feeling lost and alone.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” – John 14:1-4

The disciples were not going to have to guess how to find the way to Jesus, because he had already taught them the way. They did not need to come to him, because Jesus was going to come back for them; the groom would return for his bride. They knew the way because Jesus was the way, and he had just spent the last three years allowing them to get to know him.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” – John 14:6-7

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.” – John 14:9-11

Just as the disciples had watched God work through Jesus over the last three years, they would now have the opportunity to watch God do amazing things through them. God was going to give them the words to say; God was going to heal the sick and deliver those who were possessed by demons by working through them.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

The disciples were not losing access to Jesus, because all they had to do was ask for anything in the name of Jesus and it would be done. They were not going to lose direction because the power of the Spirit they had witnessed and experienced was going to be living within them, guiding them and directing them according to the will of God. Jesus was leaving them fully equipped to do ministry, because he was not leaving them alone.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.” –John 14:15-18

HE WILL NOT ABANDON US. HE WILL COME BACK FOR US. JESUS IS WORTHY OF MY TRUST AND IT IS IN HIM THAT I PUT MY HOPE…ALL DAY LONG!

When what is ahead is unknown, we can submit to God’s sovereignty and say – I trust you, Lord. Show me your perfect ways and teach me how to walk the path you have set before me. Guide me in what is true and teach me what you need me to learn. You are my God and you are my Savior. I place my hope in you no matter what today brings. I trust you — all day long (Psalm 25:4-5).

Today’s Reading: Mark 14:22-31; Luke 22:7-38; John 13:31-38; Psalm 33

Jesus, our Savior, was about to pour out his life as a sacrifice for our sins. He knew what was ahead and willingly accepted the role of the sacrificial lamb. His body would be broken, and his blood would confirm the covenant between Creator and creation. The next few days would be difficult and he encouraged his disciples to trust God through the pain.

When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”

Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. – Luke 22:14-20

HOW COULD HE?

Peter was so upset. How could Jesus keep talking about leaving them, about dying? He did not understand why all of this was happening. He had more questions than he had answers. He wanted to know where Jesus was going. He couldn’t imagine life without his friend, his teacher, so he desperately tried to come up with a way to stop his world from spinning. He tried to negotiate and volunteered to die in Jesus’ place.

“I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter – before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” – John 13:34-38

HOW COULD HE?

How could Peter deny knowing the One who loved him so much? It did not seem possible. Betrayal was the last thing Peter could imagine; it was something he could not even begin to wrap his mind around. As much as he was willing, It was not part of the plan for Peter to die for Jesus. Jesus was going to die for Peter, for the rest of the disciples, and for all of us. God sent His Son as the Passover Lamb and as a sacrifice for all of our sins; it was God’s plan to save the world and there was nothing Peter could do to keep Jesus physically with him.

“If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” – John 12:44-46

At times, we struggle to understand what is happening around us and how it fits into God’s big plan for mankind. But we are His children and He is our Savior, and in that we find our HOPE. Let’s sit at His feet and learn from the One who willingly died for us. Let’s trust God and allow Him to be the light that shines into our situation; let’s pray for Him to replace our confusion with clarity.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5