Believers Who Have Met the Risen Christ [Easter]

This passage deals with the scene of the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before bearing the cross. In particular, it reveals human limits through Judas Iscariot leaving the table to betray Jesus, and through the disciples afterwards leaving Jesus because of their own weakness and betrayal. Though Jesus knew that all the disciples would stumble, he prays for them and shows a loving heart that understands their weakness.

The sermon finds in these disciples a picture of believers today, and emphasises that even when we want to give up amid suffering and hardship, God gives believers strength and courage. It also warns that attitudes that stir up complaint and quarrels in the church or hinder God's work can lead in the end to spiritual judgment. On the other hand, it says that to believers who devote themselves wholeheartedly and keep the faith, God promises not only long life and riches but blessing in the eternal kingdom.

It leads us to think about what attitude believers should take so that they do not fear in the world and do not lose hope to the end, and what choice they must make in order to meet the risen Christ and enjoy true peace.