In today’s story from the book of John, Jesus had to give the disciples some sad news. Just like we talked about a little while ago, Jesus had to tell the disciples that He was leaving them to go back to Heaven and be with God. Even though they were sad, Jesus promised them that one day, they would be in Heaven with Him, too!
Jesus told the disciples that He loved them so much. He knew that the disciples loved Him, too, and wanted to tell other people about Him and God! He promised to send the Holy Spirit to help them and give them advice after He left. Jesus also told the disciples about how other people would not always be kind to them because they followed Him. He knew that it would be hard for the disciples to keep telling others about Him after He had to leave because people would try to hurt them and stop them. But Jesus also knew that one day, they would have the Holy Spirit as a helper and could ask God for anything they needed!
Our sins separate us from God. God is so good that He can’t be close to anything that is not good, like our sins. That’s why Jesus had to leave and go back to Heaven- He died on the cross for our sins so that we could be close to God again! Jesus lived a perfect life and never sinned. He didn’t do anything wrong, but people were still mean to Him and wanted to hurt Him.
Sometimes, people will be mean to us, too, maybe even when we try to tell them about Jesus. But guess what? Jesus is always with us and will help us to not be afraid when others aren’t kind! Just like Jesus told the disciples - we can talk to God every day. And Jesus is always with us! Even though Jesus is in Heaven right now, one day He’s coming back, and we have to tell EVERYONE about it!
Who can you tell about Jesus this week?
Has anyone ever been unkind to you because you believe in Jesus?
How can you love others even when they aren’t kind to you?
Prayer: God, thank You so much for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Even though Jesus is in Heaven with You right now, I know that He’s coming back one day. I’m so excited! Please help me to tell others about You and Jesus so that they can spend forever in Heaven one day, too. Help me to love others even when they aren’t kind to me, and help me to remember that I can ask You for help whenever I need it. I’m never alone because You are always with me! I love you, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.