Dear Explorer,
Read John 14:28-31
For 3 years Jesus has taught His disciples His NEW WAY. He has told them about God's plan to pay for their sins and the sins of the whole world. But He knows that they don't understand it. We see Him telling His disciples again that He will die and go to be with God in heaven. He's already told them in John 14:26 that He will send the Holy Spirit to them. If they truly understood it all, they would see the advantage -- but they don't get it.
And you know what? I don't see Jesus reprimanding them or yelling at them or even being disgusted with them for not understanding. He simply states in John 14:29 that after a while they'll understand it better. Wow! What gentleness and graciousness. Most of us are pretty hard on ourselves. We call ourselves names, like "stupid" or "incompetent" when we can't figure something out. Some of you may have or have had abuse from others who criticize or put you down. Jesus doesn't! He simply says, "I know you don't understand this stuff right now, but you will grow in your understanding." So, don't give up trying to understand.
John 14:30 refers to the prince or ruler of this world. That's Satan. God has allowed Satan rule of this world for a period of time and within certain limitations. It won't always be that way -- but it is right now. But God is still ultimately in charge. Jesus makes an interesting remark at the end of John 14:30 that I want us to look at. He says, "and he has no hold over Me" or “he has nothing in Me,” or “he has no claim on me.” In today's language, we would say, "he has nothing on Me!" Because Jesus was sinless, Satan had absolutely nothing in which to accuse Jesus. Think about it. Jesus was sinless, so when He laid awake with Satan nagging about His actions. "You shouldn't have said that,” or, "You shouldn't have gotten angry." "You should have helped that person." Jesus could simply reply, "You are wrong, Satan. Good night."
I believe that Jesus said that Satan was coming because He knew Satan's plans for His arrest in only a few hours.
Jesus' death on the cross was planned all along. It was God's plan from the beginning and soon the whole world would know that Jesus had been 100% obedient to God's plan all along.
In His service, dale
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