By Nathan Bull
I also want to share with you something that I am learning about the heart of Jesus.
At the end of the book of John Jesus has just been crucified and buried, and the disciples are left in what seems like shambles. The one that they thought was their ultimate savior, soon to take over Rome, was just nailed to a cross and killed. They had been following him for 3 years now, and things didn't turn out the way they thought it would.
However, if you look closely, Jesus was telling them all along what was going to happen to him, and how he would be raised from the dead, but they weren't listening. Peter tried to fight a mob with a sword, "for Jesus", and denied Jesus three times. Thomas hears from his closest friends that Jesus rose from the dead, and basically says, "unless I see it, im not believing that again, it hurt to much". Mary Magdelene was at the tomb where Jesus rose, and was weeping right at the risen Jesus's physical feet but didn't recognize him, thinking he was the gardner.
What on earth would be Jesus's reaction to their not listening, unbelieving, hurt filled, scared hearts? This is what is awesome. The risen Jesus doesn't find them and scold them for how foolish they are for not listening and seeing. In his great love for them, he comes to each one of them personally and in the middle of their hurt and reveals himself personally to them.
To Peter, Jesus shows up and reveals his desire to actually heal and forgive Peter and restore his name and position. Jesus does this on a lake, almost identical to how Jesus and Peter originally met. very personal.
To Mary, Jesus reveals himself by calling her by her personal name. This was so personal, that when she heard him say it, she recognized that it was Jesus.
To Thomas, Jesus comes and reveals himself personally by showing Thomas his hands and his side that was pierced. Jesus wasn't afraid of Thomas's doubts, he spoke directly to them. Jesus comes to his people in their deepest hurts, in their deepest fears, and their deepest worries. That is where he meets them, and he doesn't come with a sledgehammer to hurt us for our fears and hurts and doubts. Jesus comes instead to bring the healing and the comfort, and the truth that we desperately desire. This is his heart for us.
So, if you are in the valley, and it is getting scary, and things are confusing, know that Jesus has not given up on you, and he will meet you right there in the middle to show you his true heart for you. I encourage you to call out for his help, he desires to help and he is willing.
"Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress." (Psalm 107:6)
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