Lent Day 23: Take Heart (John 16:32-33)

Lent Day 23

Take Heart

John 16:32-33

32 "A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

33 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."

Jesus always remained in the company of his twelve disciples. Yet, it wasn't just the twelve; a multitude of followers were drawn to him. Crowds constantly thronged around Jesus wherever he went.

Jesus was aware that the time would come when those around him would depart, even those closest to him, the twelve. He spoke of a time when no one would remain by his side.

One can only imagine how Jesus felt. Reflecting on why the crowds that once buzzed around him had left, allows us to empathize more deeply with Jesus' heart. We sometimes hear celebrities, who thrive on public adoration, speak of the anguish they feel when their popularity fades. In severe cases, they may lose their sense of purpose and make extreme choices.

When Jesus performed miracles and spoke with authority, people flocked to him, hailing him as a true prophet of God. But now, they were leaving. Jesus was left alone. The loss of enthusiastic support can lead to feelings of betrayal, loneliness, fear, and despair, emotions that are natural to the human experience.

Jesus declared, "I am not alone, for my Father is with me." He revealed the source of strength that enabled him to overcome his trials: the presence of God. It was because God was with him that Jesus could transcend feelings of betrayal, loneliness, fear, and despair. It wasn't that Jesus, as the Son of God, was immune to these emotions, but rather, he overcame them through the belief that God was with him.

Our lives are replete with hardships. We face moments of crisis, loneliness, fear, despair, disappointment, and disillusionment. The Lord encourages us to take heart. Just as Jesus proclaimed victory through God's presence, so too can we declare victory. The same God who was with Jesus is with us, and the Holy Spirit guides us.

Take heart!

God, grant me the courage to believe that You are with me! Lead me to declare victory! Holy Spirit, guide me in truth!