Today is Good Friday. Tonight we will gather to remember the final events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. The whole procession of events is an unbelievable outpouring of love, a love that exceeds even the suffering. Although I don't usually play favorites with Scripture passages, I must admit that I find Jesus' farewell to the disciples in John 13-17 to be some of the most beautiful and powerful words recorded for us. That is not too surprising, considering that Jesus knows what is about to happen, and he is preparing the disciples in ways that they will only understand over time.
I just read these 5 chapters out loud (in a room, by myself). I encourage you to read these chapters in one sitting before Sunday morning. Read them out loud. Find a recording online (which you can do
here by scrolling down the right hand side). Read them with friends or family. Read them alone. Listen to Jesus speak about what he is doing and about what he promises us.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
