And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14 (Matthew 26:30-35, Mark 14:26-31, Luke 22:31-38, John 13:36-14:31)
As Jesus sends Judas the betrayer to complete his evil deed, the rest of the disciples remain in the upper room with Jesus. Jesus has spent much time teaching in parables. As the end draws near He begins speaking directly and factually of future events, but the disciples still don’t understand. As Jesus speaks of a place He is going where the disciples cannot follow, Peter discerns it is a dangerous mission and volunteers to go. Jesus tells Peter Satan has asked to ‘sift’ him, then assures him he is covered in prayer and when his faith and love are proven firm, he is to lead.
In these last moments with Jesus, James and John have tried to sort out their place in an earthly kingdom, Peter prepares to be a warrior, Thomas worries that he will not find the way as easily as Jesus believes, Philip asks to see this Father Jesus speaks of and the other Judas wonders aloud why only a few are being told these final truths and warnings. All of these queries are valid reactions of man faced with the depth and mystery of God. Jesus assures them He is leaving the Holy Spirit, who will live in them, remind them of all they’ve learned and fill them with a peace that will empower them to finish the work He has begun.
Jesus reaffirms His love and obedience to His Father and states the prophecies the disciples will witness being fulfilled. He uses ‘crucify’ and ‘glorify’ interchangeably and promises that all of Heaven will be at the disposal of those who believe and ask. Jesus dreads the pain of the death, but He keeps His eye on the joy of returning to His father. His mission was beyond the cross and ours is too. Hope, Love, Joy, Peace………these are the gifts of the Holy Spirit and you are welcome to them in unbound abundance………..so just ask!
Love,
Gretchen
Dear Gretchen,
Your post puts me in mind of one of my favorite songs. It is a thought that many of us may not recognize as part of our daily walk with the Lord. It has spurred my personal growth in my time with the Lord each day. And that is the fact we look at when we consider the cross and the agony and ecstasy of its representation. To be full of the Spirit we carry the burden/delight of Jesus at accomplishing HIS goal. The words of the song are ” There is a place where hope remains, in crowns of thorns and crimson stains, and tears that fall on Jesus’ feet, where JOY and SORROW meet. Therefore, let us carry the painful burden of a world that’s lost, and simultaneously find JOY as our traveling companion in the Salvation of Souls. Phil