Staying close to Jesus
(A story from the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verses 15-21)
On the night before he died, Jesus got together with his best friends. He loved them very, very much, and he knew that they were feeling scared and sad.
Before supper, Jesus washed his friends' feet. He wanted them to understand that the best way to serve God is to serve people. He wanted them to understand that the best way to love God is to love people openly and generously, and to take care of them.
During supper, Jesus told his friends many important things. These are some of the things he told them:
"My friends, soon I will die and will go to live with God forever. There, I will get a place ready for you, so that someday you will be able to live with God forever, too. Because I live with God, you also will live with God."
"It's very hard to say goodbye, isn't it? It makes us feel sad that we won't see each other anymore. I know that you are scared about being all alone, but don't worry - you won't be alone! I am sending the Spirit to be with you and in you always. The Spirit will help you understand what is right. The Spirit will help you do the right things. The Spirit will help you realize that God is not far away, but is very, very close to you."
"If you love me, do what I have told you. Live the way I have lived - loving always."
Questions to think about:
What is life with God forever like?
Who loves you? How do you know you are loved?
Who do you love? How do you show your love?
Who is it hard for you to love? What does God want you to do about that?