2026 Reading Plan Reflections - Day 157

Jesus knows what is coming. The disciples don't. As Jesus speaks these words, the cross is only hours away. Their world is about to collapse. The One they left everything to follow will be arrested, condemned, and crucified. Confusion will give way to fear. Confidence will give way to panic. As Jesus predicts, they will be scattered.

Yet, Jesus describes what is about to happen with an unexpected image: childbirth. N.T. Wright observes, the disciples are about to experience a short but intensely painful period, like the labor pains that precede a birth. The cross is not simply a tragedy to endure. It is the moment when God’s new world is being born. The resurrection will not merely reverse their sorrow; it will transform it into joy.

That theme runs throughout this passage. Jesus is preparing them to see beyond the immediate pain to the greater reality of what God is doing.

One of my favorite verses in Scripture is Revelation 4:1: “After this I looked, and there was a door that was open in heaven.”

That image of an open door has reminded me of God’s invitation to draw near to Him. IT was the verse God used to call me into ministry... Reading Wright’s reflection on this passage brought that image back to mind. He writes, “The throne-room door is open.”

Because of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, we don't stand at a distance wondering if God will hear us. We have direct access to the Father. Jesus tells His disciples that the Father Himself loves them. The door is open. The invitation is extended. We are welcomed into the presence of God through Christ. That truth connects deeply with our understanding of grace.

God’s grace always comes first. Before we seek God, God is already reaching toward us. Before we understand fully, God is already at work. Before we are ready, God opens the door.

But grace also calls for a response. We speak of responsible grace—the reality that God’s grace enables us to respond, but doesn't respond for us. The Father loves us, welcomes us, and invites us into relationship. We must choose to trust Him, follow Him, pray, obey, and participate in His work. That is exactly what Jesus is preparing His disciples to do. They will soon face hardship, opposition, and suffering. Yet they are not called to retreat from the world. They are called to live faithfully within it, empowered by the Holy Spirit and anchored in the peace of Christ.

Notice that Jesus does not promise the absence of trouble. He says, “In the world you have distress.” That remains true today. Following Jesus does not exempt us from grief, uncertainty, disappointment, illness, loss, or hardship. Holiness is not the absence of struggle. It is the Spirit-empowered ability to remain faithful in the midst of it.

The peace Jesus offers is not based on favorable circumstances. It is based on a finished victory. The disciples would soon watch Jesus go to the cross. It would look like defeat. But Jesus already knows the outcome. “I have conquered the world.”

Not “I will someday.” Not “I hope to.” “I have conquered the world.” The cross, the empty tomb, the ascension, and the coming of the Spirit all testify that Jesus has already won the decisive victory. The powers of sin, death, and darkness do not get the final word.

Neither do our fears. Neither do our failures. Neither do our circumstances. The throne-room door is open. The Father loves you. The Spirit is at work within you. And Christ has already conquered the world.

That is why, even in distress, we can have peace.

Spend time in prayer today imagining the throne-room door standing open before you. Bring one burden, fear, or uncertainty directly to the Father. Then thank Jesus that His victory is greater than the challenge you face.