Category: Jesus

Jesus’ comforting words

I’m still reading in John 14.  Jesus continues to talk to his friends after telling them he will be leaving.  This latest “I’ll be leaving/dying” seems to finally hit home with his disciples and they are understandably shaken.

So Jesus comforts them with his words in John 14-16.  I don’t about the disciples, but when someone says, “It’s ok, I won’t be around but this other person whom you’ve never met will be and that person will teach you.  Peace, brothers.  Don’t be afraid,” I don’t feel all that comforted.  Since the disciples don’t fully understand who is Jesus and why he is leaving, I think I can say with 67% confidence that at this point the disciples are not feeling comforted (check out 16:29-30 for their final “AHA!” moment).

Ok, so I’m not really comforted by Jesus’ words right now.  I feel the loss of a friend.  Perhaps it is because I am leaving Minneapolis and leaving several close brothers.  These are guys I love and don’t want to leave.  I’ve spent two years with some of these guys; walking, talking, encouraging, challenging, laughing, and crying.  And now I’m leaving.

Put yourself in the disciples’ sandals; empathize with their loss of a friend.  I do.

I’m going to remember what Jesus said even if I can’t feel at peace right now, “But the Counselor, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

by Categories: Holy Spirit, Jesus 1 Comment

I miss Jesus


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I think there are some really unfortunate section headings in my Bible.  One example is John 13-14. 
The scene:  The Last Supper
Importance:  Redefinition of the Passover feast in light of Jesus’ mission and impending death.
I call these “unfortunate section headings” because they disrupt the flow of some really important things Jesus is saying.  I’m going to rewrite this section as one continuous piece (with liberal use of paraphrasing).
Jesus: Guys, I’m only going to be with you a little bit longer.  I’m taking off and, just as I told everyone else, y’all will look for me, but won’t find me.  So, remember this:  love one another.  Just like I loved you, love one another.  People will see this and know that you follow me.
Pete: sir, where are you going?
Jesus: Where I’m going, you can’t follow right now, but you can follow me later.
Pete: Why not?  I’d give my life to follow you!
Jesus:  Really?  Before morning, you are going to tell people 3 times that you don’t even know me.
Jesus: Guys, don’t worry.  Trust God and trust me.  I’m going to my Father’s house to prepare a place for you.  You can’t follow now, but I’m coming back to so you can be with me again.  Besides, y’all know the way to where I’m going.
Tom: Really? We don’t even know where you are going, so how do we know how to get there?
Jesus: I’m the way, I’m the truth, and I’m the life.  No one can come to the Father except through me.  If you knew me, then you’d know the Father as well; you do know me and so you know the Father.
Phil: Just show us the Father and that’s good for us (I think the implied words are “you don’t have to go”)!
Jesus:  Don’t you get it?  You’ve seen the Father because you’ve seen me.  My words are from the Father (12:47-50); my miracles are from the Father (10:25-30); The Father and I are ONE (5:19-23)!
Reading these sections, I kinda feel the loss of a friend here.  Peter, Thomas, and Philip know Jesus is leaving.  The “why” and “where” is not readily apparent to them right now.  I can empathize with their friendship and loyalty.  I don’t know how to describe it, but I can feel their confusion.  And to be honest, the rest of Jesus’ words aren’t the most comforting to me.  I understand and believe why Jesus had to leave and go to the cross.  But I don’t like it.  I know the Holy Spirit [the Comforter] is here and that I am in the Father’s hand, but this passage makes me miss Jesus.

by Categories: Holy Spirit, Jesus, Life 1 Comment