Key Texts: John 14; Matthew 28: 16 – 20
Additional Texts: John 16 – 17; Psalm 46; Hebrews 13: 5 – 8; Isaiah 43; 1 – 5
Change can be frightening. Though we have varied degrees of confidence in God, even with the strongest will, we may feel anxious about change, wondering what we will face or whether we will have the necessary coping skills.
Prior to His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus prepared the disciples for this transition, though they did not fully understand what was ahead for them. They had walked with Him for three years, and naturally grew attached; even with their limited knowledge, imagining life without Him was concerning. The same applies to us in a modern society; disruptions to our routines, relationships and comforts in all areas of our lives, may cause us to feel anxious, and subsequently, desperate for ‘normality’. Though Jesus did not promise to remove the source of their concerns or promise them lives free from experiences which may cause anxiety, He gently advised them about how to cope with His physical absence and manage the demands of their calling. As the ‘Show and Tell’ series has highlighted in each instalment, Jesus’ speech and actions whilst He walked the earth indicate lessons for us too today.
In John 14, Jesus, having sensed their concerns, gently advised His disciples against worry in the midst of the imminent changes to their access to Him. In John 14, He assures them that because of their faith in Him, they did not need to allow their hearts to be troubled when He departed physically. In the first verse, though He speaks calmly and gently, His speech appears to be a challenge to manage thoughts which may ‘trouble’ the heart. Though there are no details in verse one, there is a subtle commission to control thoughts and underpin our decision to do so with knowledge of His consistent support. We are encouraged in other Scriptures too to be mindful and prayerful about our thoughts, as they influence our hearts and actions (Proverbs 4: 23; Philippians 5: 6 – 7).
Jesus’ reasons for His challenge become clearer as the chapter progresses – He states His role in their current lives and the future. He promised to prepare a place for them to spend eternity – His Father’s splendid House. Not only did He promise them a place there, but to return to personally take them there. In my early childhood when I was too young to care for myself, when my mother left me at school or in my relatives’ care, I was always assured that she would return – I would see her again. The reassurance of a loved one’s return is comforting, and brings one peace, even when the time without them is pleasant. Jesus provides a guaranteed reunion with His brothers and sisters, giving them peace. To reinforce this, He explained that they had access to the Father through Him, a concept they struggled to grasp at the time.
In addition to these vows, Jesus also promised to support them in their prayers in His name in His absence. Prayer is communication with God, and He considered their need for such interactions before it arose. Later in the book of John, He also covered His selected twelve for His earthly ministry, as well as future disciples, praying for God’s protection of them. Jesus then vowed to give the Comforter if they committed their lives to Him – the Holy Spirit would be a gift given to them and future believers. The Holy Spirit is with all who follow Jesus, and is described as a seal and deposit for the day of redemption – life eternal with Him (Ephesians 1: 11 – 14). He was about to face His death, but used the opportunity to teach the disciples that as it would not be final for Him, they could also share in His eternal life. Notwithstanding, the responsibility rested on them to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, refusing to grieve Him as they learned to live for Him (Ephesians 4: 17 – 32), and desiring growth in Him above our conflicting sinful nature which does not disappear immediately on accepting Jesus – sanctification is not an event but a process in our walk with God (Galatians 5: 16 – 26). As a child, I felt that the promise of the Holy Spirit was a scary one, but later realised He is a caring Guide, Protector and a Constant Companion (among other roles), working in my interest. Through encouragement, support, guidance or correction, the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised is willing to walk us through sanctification, and as pledged, will never leave us even when circumstances seem otherwise (Matthew 28: 20; Isaiah 41: 10; Hebrews 23: 5; Deuteronomy 31: 6 – 8).
Whether it was the assurance of His presence, support in prayers, guarantee of a future and eternal home with Him or the confirmation of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ words were intended to bring peace and instil confidence in His presence. This does not mean we always get our requests , but rather that as His followers, we will need help at every stage, and allowances have already been made for our needs. Through His guidance in all seasons, (though some may feel as daunting and confusing as the thought of life without Jesus’ physical presence felt to His first disciples!), the promised Holy Spirit – a part of The Trinity, is omniscient. Accepting that I will never fully understand God’s ways took me a while, but the assurance of comprehensive coverage on this side of eternity provides peace. Again, this is not peace which is the absence of stress, potential danger or threats, but rather an understanding that we are not alone, even when it seems we are outnumbered.
You may momentarily doubt this comprehensive coverage – we’ve all been there and will probably face future issues that cause us to wonder again if God is really there. Reading the news alone sometimes is daunting! However, Christ’s promises are not based on feelings, but rather on His Truth. Trust, in quiet confidence, that you and your loved ones have His comprehensive coverage.
As usual, prayer may be furthest from your mind for various reasons, but if you desire to experience His comprehensive coverage, talk to Him for a moment, a minute or five today – He hears.
Heartfelt Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for considering my needs and providing coverage for all seasons, even when it seems contrary to what I believe You should do. Help me to rest in Your assurance of Your presence and peace. I ask these mercies in Your Son’s – Jesus’ name. Amen.
