In the book of James we are reminded that we often look in the mirror, turn and walk away, and forget what we look like. I am sure over the years we have read John 16: 25-33 and like that mirror we’ve  left the words on the page not really understanding what we had just read. I call it surface reading because in our busy world today our brain can only process and retain so much and the truth is the brain is selective it its retention. Jesus takes the disciples to school so to speak with some timely advice and information. He tells them that ‘I have spoken to you in sayings that you might have found hard to understand’. Jesus knows the urgency of the hour and sets about speaking plainly…about the Father. We do not know the time nor place and only the Father does, yet these verses should encourage us to stay close to God. The Parables was one of the ways Jesus communicated with his disciples. In these verses Jesus takes the veil off and speaks clearly in truth and clarity. It would be hard for us to really know how the next thing Jesus shared with them was received…for His next revelation was  a tremendous claim – that he is the Son of God and that the cross is not for him a criminal’s death, but the way back to God. Jesus tells his disciples that they do not need him to to approach God directly…because we have loved him, Jesus, God loves us and we may take our requests to God directly. Today even, we think of God being angry and Jesus the Son being gentle. Through Jesus we see the true God…this is the God that sent his Son to die for us because he loves us so much. 

John 3:16 NIV

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

It is worth noting that Jesus says all that even before he went to the cross.A very simple truth is here before us. Jesus knows his work is done and soon he will go back to the Father by way of the cross. The way to God is open to everyone because those who love Jesus… are  the beloved of God.

In verses 29-33 it is as if a light bulb got turned on in each of their collective heads…the disciples have this sudden epiphany and give credit to Jesus speaking clearly and saying ‘you know all things, and that you do not need that anyone should ask you anything.’ Because of this they believe Jesus did indeed come forth from God. Jesus answered by asking a question… ‘so you believe at this moment?’ The time will come when each of you will run back to your own homes, and you will leave me alone. That time is now. We have always been told that God knows our hearts and minds, better than we do. Jesus being of the Father knew the weakness of his disciples and he knew that they would let him down when he needed them most and yet he still loved them; and his actions even with this knowledge showed he still trusted them. One of the wonderful things that Jesus teaches us is the ability to forgive, and how to trust those who were guilty of failure. We should learn from these verses…

-You will never be alone when you stand for what is right…God is with you always.

-We must learn to love people as they are…just as God loves us.

-People will hurt us at times…but we must realize that the hurt they have caused us has awaken the regret and sorrow of their aching heart. We must have mercy and forgiveness as our God has shown to us.

-We must live in such a way that we too can ‘possess the courage and the conquest of the cross.’ 

Live is Good 

jk