Matthew 28:20

“And surely I am with you always, to the ends of the age.”

The events of the past five or so weeks were truly upsetting and confusing for the disciples. Entering this turbulent period we noted that Peter declared that he would never leave Jesus or forsake him. He spoke for all the disciples, no doubt. We have no reason to accuse them of insincerity.  They meant it!  They did want to stand with Jesus, defending his every action and word.  Their intentions were impeccable.  The problem was, the fire was so hot they simply melted.  They could not sustain their well-intentioned promises.

In their minds, as they gathered on the Galilean hilltop, must have certainly been a sense of guilt for having abandoned Jesus in his hour of need. When Jesus appeared among them he had not one word of rebuke. He held nothing against them.  Rather than pointing to their failure, he pointed to himself. What happened, happened.

He forgave them and assured them that they can depend on his power to forgive. He stated clearly that he was given all authority in earth and heaven which included the authority to forgive and to empower those who love and serve him.  That is what just transpired as  Jesus forgave his disciples and empowered them for ministry in his name.

His final promise along this line before he ascended to glory was both personal and powerful. He promised to be with them always, to the very end of the age.  They need never fear that Jesus will abandon them as they abandoned him during those dark days.

I can add my word to those of all saints, “Jesus never abandoned me. At times I strayed some but he was always there even when I was not aware of his presence.

So the words of Jesus reverberate in our minds and under the canopy of space, “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  What more can he give than that?  His presence is heaven on earth.  There is no greater gift imaginable.

He has authority over me. I am pleased about that, eternally.