Our Gospel this morning is the beginning of Jesus’ “high priestly prayer.” He has just finished teaching his disciples, a discourse that began with washing their feet all the way back in chapter 13. It ended with his saying, “But take heart, I have overcome the world.” Now, Jesus is consecrating himself and them in prayer. What does he pray first for them?

“That they may know you, the only true God. And Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

That is so tremendously important. Jesus has called them to a specific purpose, which is to share the Gospel, his Good News, far and wide so that it can eventually reach everyone. Now it is almost time to launch their ministries. The world, and life, is going to throw a lot, really everything, at them. We see that reflected in our passage from Peter’s first letter where he writes about “the fiery ordeal” and “sharing Christ’s sufferings.” He adds that “…your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” They are going to be resisted, rejected, despised and fiercely opposed by many people. They will suffer imprisonments and most of them will die for sharing Jesus.

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’d like to take you on a little trip this morning. We are going to drop in on Times Square in New York City. All around us are bright neon signs, huge screens showing advertisements and all sorts of news 24/7. It never really gets dark. It’s the heart of the “City that Never Sleeps.” There are stores and hotels and Broadway theaters all around us, hot dog stands, too much to take in all at once. It’s the most bustling slice of New York City.

And there are people, so many people, bustling all around you from every walk of life. Wall Street executives, students, aspiring actors, tourists, cab drivers, and they come from all across the country and all around the world.

You are there for a very important purpose. You’ve got a microphone and giant speaker so that you can tell whoever will listen about Jesus. Are you ready?

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As we get into today’s Gospel, we need to know where and when we are.

When Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” there is a lot of tension and confusion in the room. This is at the last supper. Jesus has washed the disciples’ feet. Judas has left and Jesus has begun to tell them that he is going away. He is speaking about his death then ascension, but they are confused and don’t understand. Peter protests, says he will lay down his life for Jesus, and Jesus predicts Peter will deny him three times before the cock crows. Peter is crestfallen.  Such anguish to hear that from his Lord!

What do you mean you’re leaving? Of course we are coming with you! They don’t know where he is going but they are committed to following him. They’ve been following him and while it has been astounding, it has been a hard road. Now they can’t?

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