Our Comfort in Jesus Christ

"When Christ returned to heaven, He withdrew His physical presence from our sight. He didn't stop being with the disciples but by the ascension fulfilled His promise to be with us to the end of the world. As His body was raised to heaven, so His power and reign have spread to the uttermost parts." - John Calvin

As they all sat at the table sharing in the Lord's Supper, the disciples were stressed about what Jesus had said about leaving them (John 13:33; 36). What would happen to them without their beloved friend and teacher?

All sorts of things must have been running through their minds. Without Jesus they would have to face persecution and trial alone. They had no visible income, no friends outside of their group, and held no positions of importance.

And of course, there were all the plans that revolved around Jesus. Would they all be crushed with His departure?  Along with not having fully learned the doctrine regarding the suffering and death of the Messiah (Luke 24:21), who could blame them?

We can all certainly relate to feelings of despair, anxiety, hopelessness, and uncertainty. The disciples, even though they had walked next to Jesus himself, were still, after all, as human as you and I.

That being said, especially in trying times, we seek some sort of assurance that everything will turn out okay. Jesus' disciples were no different. When Jesus broke the news of his coming departure over supper they were at a loss.

At that moment, however, they were only thinking about their own fates. Jesus could tell by looking around the table, seeing their worried and concerned expressions, that He needed to bolster their sinking spirits, or risk losing them.

And that He did. He told them that comfort may found in their confidence in God and him (John 14:1). He also hinted at the perpetually binding union between him and the Father (explained in greater detail in John 14:7-12).

We, too, may find our comfort when we need it in Jesus Christ. His assuring and empathetic words, "Do not let your hearts be troubled," tell us that we are never alone. There is ever a shining light in our darkest hour, and that light is Jesus Christ (John 8:12).

Scripture: Psalm 34:18; Psalm 71:21; Isaiah 66:13; Philippians 4:6; Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord, He is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; and because He inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live, amen.

May God richly bless you,

Barbara