"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
John 16:16-33
A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
What would it look like to overcome the world? It's easier to see what Jesus had to overcome in life. During Jesus' ministry, He is recorded once as crossing the Sea of Galilee three times, that is 13 miles, 3 times. To see various people. Jesus did not sail or row around aimlessly.
One day Jesus had the crowning experience - going to mountain top to be greeted by Moses, Elijah and His Father; His reward coming down from the mountain- from this amazing experience - hearing His disciples could not, were unable, to overcome a boy's spiritual and physical battle. The crowd was again pressing in on Him.
At one point, the Herodian Temple sent Temple guards to arrest Jesus. They could not. Jesus was being completely Himself and the guards were amazed by Him. The Temple power knobs then declared they couldn't take Him down, the crowds followed Him with too much awe. How did Jesus take all this popularity in the numbers - His public opinion polls were astronomical. Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee saying they only want what they want.
Jesus knew coming down from the Transfiguration - the path He was on, all too clearly. And what did He look forward to?
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Jesus has been asked as one from God. Continually. They pressed in on Him. A miracle worker. Only the disciples were openly saying the Messiah. The Scriptures quote no one was openly declaring Jesus as Messiah. The Highest Name being Jesus. The people wanted miracles and food and entertainment with a new teaching. Now Jesus says He looks forward to - this - upon His Resurrection - In that day you will ask nothing of me.
John 20:11-18
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
I once, decades ago, was challenged by a religious leader who did not really believe Heaven exists in the Biblical proportions of Heaven, and she said we only believe the Lord for His reward. That is not true. We love the Lord, honor Him because He first Loved us. Pray unceasingly; and say with gratitude - Thank You for Your Promises to me. This trust is what God called - righteousness in Abraham.
Mary's love and trust lead her into relationship with Jesus Christ the Lord. And He is blessed by her. Blessing, in turn, Mary receives more than any of us could ever deserve.
Genesis 15:1
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
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