14. Consoler
| 1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you"... 6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"... 9 "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."... 12 "anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father"... 13 "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father"... 16 "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth"... 19 "Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." 27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John14:1-27) |
It is the sensitivity with which Jesus answers and the obvious tenderness evident in His words that really grabs my attention. This is not only Jesus the Teacher, but Jesus the Pastor. He is speaking to the deep fears and concerns of the disciples - and also to you and me.
But in addition to the pastoral comfort, look at the great truths:
- Life is not purposeless - He prepares a place for us.
- The way is not uncertain - He is the way
- What is God like? If we've seen Jesus we've seen the Father
- Jesus' departure doesn't disadvantage us - we will do greater things
- We can ask in His name and it will be given
- We will not be alone - we will receive the Spirit
- Through the Spirit we will see Jesus and we will know we belong
- We will have peace that conquers fear
We would have excused Jesus if He'd been quiet and withdrawn. His arrest and crucifixion were a few hours away. He had enough trouble of His own. Instead of dwelling on His impending agony Jesus offers His best pastoring and teaching to the disciples.
Later when they are tired and sleepy, Jesus will kneel before the Father in agonised prayer, but for now He is their Consoler.
