I have had many different titles in my life. Son, Student, Graduate, President (only for youth football league but, hey...), Coach, Teacher, Business Owner, Husband and DAD! The last of these has been the most rewarding but at times the most frustrating as well.

As I began to read John 16, my attention kept coming back to the very first verse. "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray." Jesus is talking to his disciples leading up to his death on the cross. As I thought about this, the idea of a father talking to his children came to mind. How often have I had deep conversations with my children with this same intent: "Hey guys, I'm telling you this for your own good. I know what the world will try to do to you if you let your guard down. Don't go astray.” We know these things because we have experienced many of them in our own lives and don't want our children to go through some of the same heartaches that we did. Wow!! How much more does Jesus know about our future and what is right for us?

As I read further in John, I sensed that Jesus had to explain things to the disciples as we do our children (probably with a bit more patience). I just imagined conversations with my children, especially when they were younger. Each statement was met with a “Why?” Jesus patiently goes into an explanation of most of the questions eventually ending up with how the Holy Spirit will work (v 5-11). Jesus goes on to tell his disciples that “I have much more to say to you, more than you can bear.” Again, as we warn our children about things that are not good for them, we withhold some information until a later time because it is “more than they could bear.”

I love my children unconditionally. Do they upset me? Yes. Do they frustrate me? Yes. Do they bring me some of the greatest joy in my life? ABSOLUTELY!!! How much more so does Jesus love us in that “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)? In John, Jesus laid the ground work for the coming of the Holy Spirit and with instructions to the disciples (and ultimately to us) on what was coming and a blueprint for living. John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace [emphasis addedJ]. In this world you will have trouble but I have overcome the world.”

Cory wrote about John 3 and how it is not about us, but the truth about God. Even more than our need for guidance and direction, this passage is about God’s desire to love and protect us. That’s it!

About the Author:

Rod George

Born in Amarillo, TX and grew up in Post, TX.  Lived in Lubbock since 1987.  Graduated from Texas Tech Universiity in 1992.  Married Susan Jackson of Lubbock on December 5, 1992.  Father of 3 Children and two grandchildren, daughter Morgan Hammond and husband Keith of Hilo, Hawaii, grand daughters Hanna Beth (5) and Harper Grace (4 months), son Ben (13) attends Laura Bush Middle School and Gage (9) attends Cooper West Elementary.  Member of Calvary since 2001. 

I currently teach elementary PE at Wester elementary with LISD.  Also owner of C Bar G Custom Homes, Inc.  Have also taught R.A's since 2009.  Susan and her sisters own  A Cup of Yo yogurt shops.