I serve a risen Savior

In our study of the gospel of John, we have come to the time leading to Jesus’ crucifi xion. Jesus is doing all that He can to prepare them for what is to come. His disciples are expecting the “Anointed One” to take His place on the throne and establish His longawaited kingdom, that had been prophesied for millennia. Of course, this was about to happen; however, its fulfillment would be nothing like what they were expecting. His kingdom is not of this world.

A few chapters later, as Jesus is in the garden, Judas leads the powers that be to the place where Jesus is. Peter, determined to protect Jesus from these officials, draws his sword and cuts off the ear of one of the official’s helpers. Jesus instructs him to put away his sword. He says, “This is the cup that my Father has given me to drink.” He asks, “Shall I not drink it?”

To help them deal with what is to come, He tells them that “a slave is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.” To further console them, He tells them, “In a li_le while, you will no longer behold me; and again, a li_le while, and you will see Me.”

This was to encourage them in the travail that was to come. Certainly, the events that were yet to come would be devastating to any who were followers of Jesus. We can only imagine the trauma that they must have experienced in all of the proceedings that were to come. This one whom they had followed for the past few years was taken from them and crucified on the cross. We can only imagine the devastation that they felt. Yet, to prepare them for what was to come, Jesus tells them, “a li_le while, and you will no longer behold me; and again a li_le while, and you will see Me.”

To help them deal with the trauma and devastation that was to come, Jesus says that it was a lot like a “woman in travail.” It is certainly a painful, excruciating ordeal that she goes through. However, Jesus says when she gives birth to the child, she remembers the anguish no more for joy that a child has been born into the world.”

This is much like our lives in this world. There are trials and tribulations that we must endure. There may be persecutions that we experience because of our faith. Fortunately, we live in an era where we do not suffer the persecution that some have experienced. Still, there are problems to overcome. Whatever the struggle, Jesus says it will all be worth it. When we see him again, we will remember the anguish no more.

We sing, “I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today. I know that He is living, whatever men may say.”

timrogers7@sbcglobal.net