LifeLink Devotional

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

“Now I get it.”

Have you ever made that statement before you really got it? I have. In fact, sometimes it’s a deflection intended to end the conversation.

The disciples told Jesus that they got it before they really did. Just hours before His arrest, Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples about what His sacrifice on the cross would accomplish on their behalf. He said, “ In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.” (John 16:26-27)

Let’s pause for a moment. Look deeply into what Jesus said here. When the sacrifice for sin was complete, and eternal life was guaranteed by the resurrection, Jesus guaranteed us personal connection to the Father. His sacrifice reconciled our relationship that had been broken by sin. In Christ, we can come boldly and directly to God the Father. God the Father loves us, and through belief in Jesus we are lavished in His love as His eternal children. HALLELUJAH!

The disciples respond to this news with “Now we get it!” Look at verses 29-30. His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus is not convinced they really get it. He points out something they may not have considered. “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone.” Jesus wants them to understand that believing on Him will be tough. Relationships will change. Comfort zones will explode. It will be hard to follow Jesus in a world that doesn’t.

After warning us of the dangers, Jesus gives us all an incredible promise to counteract our fears. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

So today, no matter the circumstances of life, Jesus has already overcome them. No matter the level of unrest, Jesus offers peace. Confidence and rest are available at the cross of Jesus Christ, where our relationship to the Father was healed.

“Now I get it.”

Pastor John