Jesus’ life has come down to this. In the final moments he spends with his disciples before his torturous trial, mockery, and death, he seeks to comfort his disciples because he knows what’s coming. He knows the sorrow His disciples will encounter, and He knows how precious the gift – the Holy Spirit – that they will receive because He is leaving. His heart is breaking, and yet swelling with hope at the same time! And it’s all because of His care for these sleepy, silly disciples.
He could have been concerned for His own welfare, woefully anticipating his betrayal, denial, abandonment, torment, and death. He might have wondered how God would take this group of distracted grumblers forward after He has been executed. He could have given in to the temptation to give up.
Instead, he offers hope! He speaks again and again of His leaving and the sorrow it will produce (vs. 5-6, 12, 16, 20, 22, and 32). At the same time, He reminds them of God’s Holy Spirit, and the ministry He would provide them (vs. 7-11, 13-15). All they needed to do was ask! In vs. 22-24 and 26-28, Jesus tells His disciples to ask for the Holy Spirit to come to them in their time of distress.
How amazing is Jesus’ care for them and for us! He is not concerned for his own suffering, but rather for the suffering we must endure. He knows the answer to our suffering is right before us – His death as payment for our sin, and His Holy Spirit as His abiding presence with us as we endure the hatred this world brings. His words declare those things that His disciples must keep in mind – that we must keep in mind – as we endure suffering.
Think of your own suffering. How are you suffering today? How have you suffered in the past? Take some time this week to consider it. You might want to write it down. Then, looking back, call to mind how Jesus’ Holy Spirit has strengthened you in your struggles. Try to list specific ways that you were comforted, whether through Scripture, someone else’s actions, etc.
I know that some folks reading this may not have much to remember. You may be one who has had a relatively easy time of it, or you have no interest in religion or belief in the divine. Please remember what Jesus offers his followers in this passage. The time may come when you will be desperate for the comfort you don’t need now.
One way or the other, take some time to thank him! Be specific about the things for which you are thankful, whether they be for comfort in difficulty or a lack thereof!
You might also ask him to guide you to someone else who needs his comfort and yours in their struggles, and offer his comfort to them. You see, Jesus cares!