A few weeks ago, all of our lives changed in a way we could never have anticipated. Schools closed. Large gatherings were banned. Restaurants and stores were closed down. People started working from home. Millions lost their jobs. Essential items like canned goods and toilet paper have become impossible to find. When people have to go out, many wear masks. We’re all avoiding physical contact with those outside of our family or those we live with. A few weeks ago, life as we knew it ended, and an entirely different way of doing life began.
Change is hard on humans. Drastic and quick change is even harder. Indefinite change is harder still. We are created for stability and structure. It’s natural for us to be afraid when the world around us experiences a drastic shift. God knows all of this. That’s why he’s given us words of encouragement in the Bible, words that we can turn to in times of turmoil.
Jesus Warns about Change
In John chapter 14, the disciples are on the cusp of a huge change. For three-ish years, they have faithfully followed Jesus. They’ve walked with him, talked with him, learned from him, eaten with him, and laughed with him. They’ve gone where he’s gone and stayed where he’s stayed. Jesus has been a constant among them. He’s the person holding them all together. But change is coming.
For a while, Jesus has dropped hints to them that things aren’t always going to be like they’ve been for the last 3 years. Here, in chapter 14 of John, Jesus begins to spell this out in more detail. He gives the disciples words of encouragement to help them get through what’s about to happen. I’m sure the disciples don’t understand everything he’s saying in the moment, but these words will stick with them. The disciples will be able to come back to these words as things begin to change for them.
These same words can be encouraging for us today. Let’s look at what Jesus tells his disciples as he’s preparing to leave them and what those words should mean for us today.
This story has a happily ever after, therefore we always have a reason to hope.
Jesus tells his disciples right at the beginning of this chapter it’s all going to be okay. Yes, I’m going to leave you for a while, but I’m coming back. This separation thing is only temporary. I have to go prepare things for you, and then I’m coming back for you so we can be together forever. Don’t worry, this all ends well.
For us this means: Things might look bleak right now. You might be out of a job or wondering how you’re going to pay your bills this month. Those are real struggles and real fears. It’s only natural to be afraid. However, don’t let your fears keep you from hoping. You never know what God will do and how God will provide. We know that the story ends well at the very end, but God also gives us gifts of his grace along the way. Yes, you should look for work and do what you can to be prepared and provide for your family. Just remember that things can change in a moment. We always have a reason to keep hoping because we know the ending of this story.
You’re not alone.
Though Jesus is no longer going to be with the disciples in the same way he has been, he promises that they won’t be alone. He promises not to leave the disciples like orphans (verse 18). Instead, the Holy Spirit will come to them to guide them. The Spirit will continue to teach them, just like Jesus has been. He will also help them to remember the things that Jesus told them. Though they will no longer physically be with Jesus, they will still have someone to guide and to teach them.
For us this means: We’re not the only ones who are scared right now. The entire world is afraid. As Christians, we have hope. We can read these words of Jesus in John 14 and be encouraged. We know that no matter what happens, God is with us. We’re not alone.
Others don’t have that same privilege but can offer it to them. We have a unique opportunity right now to offer hope to terrified people living in a crazy world, just as Jesus did for his disciples. We are Jesus’ hands and feet in this world, so let’s do our best to pass on his encouraging message in trying times. We can remind people that they’re not alone either. We’re here for one another and God is always with us.
Show you love me by being obedient.
Over and over in this chapter, Jesus says that if anyone really loves Jesus, they will obey the things he’s taught. Even though things are changing, Jesus is calling them to be faithful. They are to continue in what he has taught them and do the things he’s told them to do. What their lives look like in the day to day might be changing, but their mission and their marching orders are still the same.
For us, this means: Just because things are changing and we’re afraid doesn’t mean that we should put aside the things God has called us to do. We are still supposed to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are still called to love our neighbors as ourselves. There is no pass on obedience for us just because we’re in a crisis. We’re to continue to be honest, giving, humble, loving, generous, holy, kind, patient people.
Don’t be afraid.
Jesus knows that things are going to change drastically. Still, he assures his disciples that he is leaving his peace with them. Peace doesn’t just mean stillness or a lack of conflict. In the Jewish mindset, peace is about wholeness. They are still whole. Their identity has not changed based on their circumstances. Therefore, they shouldn’t be afraid. They shouldn’t let their hearts be troubled. Yes, things are going to change, but Jesus is still the same. Therefore there’s no reason to fear.
For us, this means: We are going to be afraid in the midst of a pandemic. That’s only natural. However, there’s a difference between being afraid (which is natural) and being bound by fear (which is not). Natural fear can creep into our very souls and convince us that everything will end in catastrophe. That’s simply not true (see the point above). God is going to win. We can have moments of fear, but we shouldn’t be frozen in our fear nor should we act out of fear. God is with us. He is still in control. We can have faith that he will work through whatever comes our way.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash