That final week: together, we can do this

All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.  John 16:1

There are tough times in store for Jesus’ followers. They will be challenged and threatened for following Jesus. Their belief will be questioned and undermined. They will fear for their lives. They will be treated as the enemy by those who believe they are doing God’s will.

And Jesus will no longer be physically there to defend them and give them them the words to say and show them the way.

They don’t want to hear this. They don’t want to hear that Jesus is going away from them. They certainly don’t want to hear that he’s doing this for their own good.

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.  John 16:7

Unless Jesus leaves this life, his followers will not get to experience what it is to be filled with the Spirit, this Advocate who will support them and encourage them and show them the way and give them the words to say. This inspirational presence that will be there within them wherever they go every minute of every day.

This spirit will continue to reveal the truth to these followers, all the truth that Jesus didn’t have the time and opportunity to share with them without overloading them during his time on earth.

You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20

The disciples really struggle to understand what Jesus is telling them. They can’t get their heads round it at all. They just don’t get it. They can’t grasp how their grief is only for a season. All that they believe for sure is that Jesus came from God. Wherever he is going, whatever is going to happen next, Jesus came from God. This is what they will cling to when the going gets tough.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

Take heart: to receive courage or comfort from some fact.

Be encouraged. Be comforted.

Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

Remember I am with you. Remember where I came from. 

Stay grounded in me. Live in the peace that I am offering you.

Trust me. I’ve got this. I’ve got your back.

Yes, you’ll face tough times. Life won’t always be easy.

But be brave. Be strong. For I will be with you.

I have overcome the world. There is nothing out there that I cannot handle. There is nothing out there that can separate you from my love.

Together, we can do this.