We, as humans, crave relationships. Moments of deep conversation, understanding and kinship minister to the needs of our soul. Jesus, over and over again initiated conversation and thought provoking questions that brought eternity into focus. After the Passover supper, Jesus again started a conversation that He knew his disciples needed.
Jesus Knows the Past, the Present and the Future
Throughout His ministry, Jesus continually pointed them to eternity and that He was come to do the Father’s will. The Master knew what would happen in the future. He knew the plan of the Father. Moreover, He knew that the disciples would be facing a fear-filled and emotionally-ridden few days.
Jesus knew of Judas’ betrayal. He knew the frailty of human flesh would come over his disciples as He agonized alone in the garden. Furthermore, the Son of Man knew that his disciples would all forsake Him and flee. In other words, He knew the dark night they would experience and He knew the pain that He, himself would endure.
Because of all that Jesus knew that night before Calvary, He used pointed questions and deep conversation to minister to His disciples. Jesus shared of His coming trial, and about His certain triumph. Once more Christ spoke words that would bring hope and comfort. In addition, He reminded them of the important things in life. Love God and love others.
That night, Jesus shared His heart and prayed for His followers. His words are recorded to remind us of the truths that He knows. Life-giving words that the Savior of the world wanted each of us to grasp. A conversation that clarified the promise of the Spirit and outlined a plan to hang onto hope.
Jesus Knows What We Need
Jesus doesn’t want us to abandon our faith when we face struggles or when we are surprised with overwhelming circumstances. Our Savior shared His heart that Passover night to give us a way to make it through the darkness. Jesus knows what we need. He gave us a testament that would stand through the annals of time. A hope we could use so that we “should not be offended.”
These things have I spoken unto you , that ye should not be offended. John 16:1
The word ‘offended’ means entrap, to trip up or stumble. Jesus shared his heart in order that His disciples would not stumble or abandon their faith. It was a conversation that the disciples could look back on, while they were waiting in the darkness. Though the words were in direct opposition to what they would be facing, Jesus gave them truths that would take them through the darkness. He provided them with a hope. A reason not to give up.
You Are Known and Loved
This Good Friday, let’s remember what Jesus knows. He endured the pain of the cross, He agonized over being forsaken by the Father. However, He knew without it we would be left in darkness and without hope. Today, He knows the darkness we struggle through. He knows the upheaval of emotions and He knows the pain of a breaking heart.
On the other hand, our Savior provided us with the way through. He does not want us to stay entombed in sin and darkness. Jesus is the Light in the midst of our darkness. Through the cross, He stands ready to exchange our dark life of sin for a resurrected life of forgiveness. There is victory in the end. Through it all, Jesus challenges us, comforts us, and points us to eternity.
Take time to read of the servant heart of Jesus and His life-giving testament of comfort and hope that is recorded in John, chapters 13-17. The Son of God knew what His disciples were struggling with and began another life-changing conversation that would strengthen them for their journey. We can cling to these same words, and find strength for our pilgrimage.
Today, Jesus knows your pain and understands your struggles. Jesus loves you. He waits for you to come and take part in the conversation He shared that night so long ago. He stands as a beacon of hope that will bring you to the resurrection of life deep within your soul.
Hang on to hope. Take heart and believe God.
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