We are approaching the end of another year. 2026 is ahead of us.
When I watch the daily news, I often wonder where it will lead us. We do not know what is ahead of us. Some of us feel concerned. Others don’t.
I want to turn your attention to some words Jesus said a few hours before he was captured, judged and finally crucified. Jesus knew what was ahead of him. He had tried to gently prepare his disciples for what was going to happen.
The disciples did not like to hear these things from Jesus. They had chosen Jesus to be their rabbi. They hoped to spend more time together with Jesus. They desired that Jesus should soon change their whole world to the better.
In the gospel of John, after John reported on the Last Supper, we find three chapters of Jesus teaching his disciples, seeking to prepare them for all that was ahead. He concluded, saying:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33 NIV).
Jesus told his disciples: It is a matter of fact, as long as you are in this world, you will have trouble. Perhaps we don’t like to hear such words. What Jesus said has been in line with human experience more or less obviously.
The disciples tended to feel: We have chosen the right master teacher. He has come from God. Now we are safe, and no difficulties can approach us. We are just going to be still and watch how God will judge all the evil people in this world.
They did not like to hear that Jesus was going to suffer. They did not understand God’s plans.
Two or three days ago, we celebrated Christmas. The good news of Christmas is that God cares about our world of suffering. He did not stay somewhere aloof in the sky. Jesus, the Son of God, was born as a real human being to live and experience our world of suffering.
In Jesus, God showed us: He can feel with us. Men have been suffering in this world. Calamities, as well as evil people, have caused men to suffer. Jesus, the Son of God, finally suffered death at the cross.
Jesus had been teaching his disciples for about three years. He knew their feelings, desires and their hopes.
He was also aware of their weaknesses and their limitations. Jesus knew most of his disciples would forsake him in his darkest hour. He knew Peter was going to deny he had ever been with Jesus.
We don’t know the future. Jesus knows.
We do not know how we will cope with the future. What if we fail in situations ahead? Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves.
While on earth, Jesus had been preparing his disciples for what was ahead of them. He told them he was aware of their weaknesses. He told them the troubles ahead would not have the final say.
He said his suffering was part of God’s plan. He knew his disciples were not happy about that. He assured them one day they would be happy again. God would not forsake them.
The disciples had been with Jesus. He prepared them for what was ahead.
After all, the Lord’s teaching helped them to be more composed when all these things happened. Later on, God was comforting them. They were ready for that. Later, God began to show them His plans for their lives. They were ready.
Would you like to learn from Jesus? Would you have Him prepare you for what is ahead?
Reread and ponder some ancient words:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of rigteousness for his name’s sake. Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” (Psalm 23 King James Version).
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