John 13:31-36
Verse 36 Simon Peter asked Him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
When the Israelites were observing the first Passover they had no real understanding of where they were headed when they left Egypt. They knew they were headed to the desert but there was so much they didn’t understand. They didn’t know how long they would be there or all the things they would experience along the way. They may not have had much understanding about what the Promised Land was going to be like. God was saying they had to go and that is what they did.
Jesus waited until Judas had gone to meet with the religious leaders to address His disciples with the truth of what they were about to go through. He couldn’t beat about the bush any longer, they needed to understand what was about to happen. The Lord didn’t want them to be taken totally unaware in a couple of hours when He was arrested and they found themselves scattering. After traveling with Him for a few years, He was going to be leaving them soon.
He addresses them in the most tender way as He tells them His is going away. Calling them “my children” was Him revealing once again His special love for them. His time with them had been precious and He wanted them to know just how much they meant to Him. But they also needed to remember the love they shared needed to continue after He left, it was going to be the thing which showed the world they were His disciples.
Peter then asked the question on everyone’s mind, where was Jesus going? They had been following Him everywhere for 3 years and they couldn’t figure out where He could now go that they couldn’t join Him. Instead of giving them the name of the location, Jesus assures them they can join Him at a later date. They just don’t know they won’t be taking that journey together. Each will join Him at the time He calls them home.
The Israelites had to trust the Lord to lead them to the Promised Land. They didn’t know how long it would take or the way they would get there. They didn’t know what troubles were awaiting them along the way just as the disciples could never imagine what was ahead for each of them on their journey. The one thing these faithful followers knew was that Jesus had just told them they would be joining Him and that would have to be enough for now.
Making It Personal
Do you find yourself grumbling about the journey of this life? Does knowing Jesus is waiting for you at the end of the journey bring you comfort on the hard days? What are you most looking forward to about Heaven?
Making It Personal Kids
What do you think heaven is like? Do you know someone who is already there with Jesus? What are you most excited about seeing in heaven?
Closing Prayer
Father, Your time with Your disciples was a special time for them and we praise You that You are with us as well. Give us hearts which are ready for the journey of life no matter where You lead us because we know in the end they are leading us to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.