“Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled.”

Jesus cared for his disciples—right up to the end.

Have you ever read a newspaper story about a prison inmate who was facing execution? Or perhaps you’ve seen a movie that depicts a convict on death row. It’s a very intense situation, and the condemned man tends to be solemn, quiet, and reflective.

Perhaps he is sad and remorseful over what he has done. Or he may be angry, protesting that he doesn’t deserve to die. Most likely, he is terrified. His last meal is a grim occasion, filled with either regret and recrimination, or numb resignation to his fate.

One thing you will probably not hear a condemned man say is that it was a good thing for him to be killed. Neither would he be likely to tell his friends that he was about to conquer the world—this “world” that was getting ready to conquer and kill him. Neither would he predict that his loved ones would know absolute joy and peace after he was gone. Even if he tried to put on a brave face, you would still see signs of fear lurking just beneath the surface.

A…