Thursday 8 September 2022

²⁸ Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. ²⁹ I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

³⁰ “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, ³¹ but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.

Remaining in God’s Good Destiny

Jesus is talking about his destiny. Jesus’ destiny is something which the disciples aren’t ready to accept. In fact, Jesus’ destiny is so radical, the poor disciples aren’t able to fully understand it before it will happen (which is why he needs to give them previews, so that when it does happen, they will believe). I am struck by empathy for the disciples. They didn’t quite understand what Jesus was up to before he died, they struggle through the saga of witnessing Jesus go to the cross, they end up abandoning Jesus at the moment of his death and it isn’t until after the resurrection that they began to see clearly what the Father was truly up to. If I were there with them, this would be me as well, 100%. It follows the pattern of my life: feeling Jesus’ direction and calling, experiencing life and its challenges, and then finally, understanding more clearly what Jesus is doing in my life; but only after-the-fact. I don’t think we (ie. regular people) can get away from this – Jesus’ plans and his work is always going to be more wonderful than we can fully fathom. Unable to escape the unknowns of life and following Jesus, there is a foundation that keeps us level (eg. at peace) and it is the same principle that kept Jesus in his destiny. To “…love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me”

Dear Jesus, stir up my love for the Father and show me clearly what the Father’s desire is for my behaviour, my decisions and my life. Thank you that you are trustworthy and promise to be with me in all stages of my life, Amen.

Written by Sam Stewart