In these verses, Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for his departure. He speaks not only of going away, but also of returning. The disciples were filled with sorrow and confusion, but Jesus pointed them toward a greater perspective rooted in love, trust, and faith.
Jesus gently tells them that if they truly loved him, they would rejoice that he is returning
to the Father. This is not a rebuke, but a reminder: real love seeks the joy and glory of the other. Jesus’ return to the Father is not a loss, but a fulfilment of his mission. It is cause for rejoicing, not fear.
Jesus also assures them that he is telling them these things before they happen, so that their faith will be strengthened when they happen. His words are an invitation to trust in him, even when their understanding of what is happening is
incomplete.
When we face seasons of loss, change, or confusion, we can remember that God is with us and goes ahead of us. God’s Spirit prepares us, sustains us, and builds our faith—even when we don’t fully understand what is happening or why we must endure it.
How can we learn to trust God even when we go through challenging circumstances? In what ways has God strengthened our faith through past
experiences?
Reflections by Joe Taylor
