I was one of the ones who left his fishing nets and family to follow the Nazarene, the One whom John the Baptist called the ‘Lamb of God.’ Some thought we were crazy, but when Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God, we knew he was no ordinary teacher. And when we saw him feed the multitudes and walk on water and heal the sick and raise the dead, we knew he was no ordinary man. Jesus practiced what he taught and we believed he possessed the words of life. ‘Love’ was his greatest attribute and his greatest command. Christ said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” How could we ever love the way he loves? It is true that on more than one occasion our teacher gave us the power to cast out demons and heal the sick, but could he also give us the power to love? Jesus said something at the end of his life none of us could believe: “It is for your good that I am going away.” How could this be true? Jesus said He would send a Helper, but how could anything be better than being with Jesus himself? We had learned to depend on him totally; how could we survive without him?
Who was this Helper Jesus spoke about? “He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” We were very confused by these words. “The Helper will teach you all things and remind you of everything I said to you.” After Jesus was arrested, we needed someone to remind us. In the chaos and confusion of the Garden, we all ran away. After the crucifixion, we hid in fear, thinking we would be next. But when our Lord appeared to us on the third day, our grief turned to joy and we realized Jesus even had power over the grave. Before ascending to Heaven, Jesus told us to go to Jerusalem to wait for the promise of the Father. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” On the Day of Pentecost we understood. Of course we missed him, but Jesus had come to live in our hearts. His character became our character; his life became our life; his love became our love.
So if you ever wonder how you are going to follow Jesus when you can’t see him, trust what he taught about the Helper. You need as much help during your days on earth as we did in ours. And if you ask, like I did, “How can I ever love others the way Jesus loves me?” realize his love lives in you. He has not left you to do it by yourself. Trust and obey and depend on the Helper. He will not disappoint you.
“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:5