Disciples follow Jesus’ way
of going with the Father
Last week's devotions focused on Jesus being the way to COME TO the Father; this week we find in Jesus the way to GO WITH the Father, a key to living as a follower of Jesus.
Following Jesus as We Come 'n Go
John 14:12
Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Pondering Point
As Jesus' disciples were going into the world, Jesus was going back into heaven to be with the Father. In doing so, He left promises as He went. One of them is here in John 14:12 (quoted above). Those original disciples have since died in Christ and joined Him in heaven. But there are still many disciples operating under the promise that we will be able to “do greater things” than Jesus because Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. Do you think this promise still stands?
Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus Christ, I call upon You to intercede for me, my local church and Your church-at-large that we might do "the greater things" You described since You have gone to the Father and are now interceding for us. Amen.
A quote from Frederick Dale Bruner: “A yoke is a work instrument. Thus when Jesus offers a yoke, he offers what we might think tired workers need least. They need a mattress or a vacation, not a yoke. But Jesus realizes that the most restful gift he can give the tired is a new way to carry life, a fresh way to bear responsibilities... Realism sees that life is a succession of burdens; we cannot get away from them; instead of offering escape, Jesus offers equipment. Jesus means that obedience to his Sermon on the Mount [his yoke] will develop in us a balance and a “way” of carrying life that will give more rest than the way we have been living.” You see the genius of Jesus’ invitation?
There is an emotional and spiritual weight to life… Why do you think there’s so much addiction in this world?... People all over the world – outside of the church and in – are looking for an escape, a way out from under the crushing weight of life this side of Eden. But there is no escaping it. The best the world can offer is a temporary distraction to delay the inevitable or deny the inescapable. That’s why Jesus doesn’t offer us an escape. He offers us something far better: “equipment.” He offers his apprentices a whole new way to bear the weight of our humanity: with ease. At his side. Like two oxen in a field tied shoulder to shoulder. With Jesus doing all the heavy lifting. At his pace. Slow, unhurried, present to the moment, full of love and joy and peace. An easy life isn't an option; an easy yoke is.
J.M. Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, p. 86-88