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

Matthew 28:20

That night in the Garden ended tragically, as far as the disciples were concerned.  After Jesus’ memorable heart-rending prayer which he prayed with great earnestness, while his three disciples slept. He prayed, “Not my will, but yours.”  The cry echoes through the corridors of time.  Is any greater prayer possible?

At this point the soldiers of the Palace Guard, all Jews presumably, snatched Jesus and delivered him to Pilate, the Roman ruler of the Province who had the authority to release or punish enemies of Rome.  Jesus’ accusers, Jews, demanded his death.   They claimed that Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph and Mary, had no right to be the promised Messiah.   The rulers of the Jews and their Biblical scholars determined to see this impostor killed!

Looking at the events from the side of the disciples, Jesus deserted them!  He was taken from them and, eventually, to their dismay, was killed on a Roman cross outside of Jerusalem.

Without their Jesus, the eleven disciples were drained of all purpose in life.  They just disappeared from the scene, except John.

I can almost feel their hurt.  Jesus was taken away.  They were alone!  They were held together by his presence.  Now what?

This is the backdrop of Jesus’ unforgettable words that he spoke after he arose from the dead.  “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  He will never leave them, he will be with them always – until this age ends.

Jesus’ promise to his disciples is for us who believe in him and live for him.  He has won our salvation.  That is accomplished.  Now he promises that he will never leave us, never.  That gives us full assurance as we place our lives into his hands and as we live through the ups and downs of life today.

The promise is for me, for you, for all who love him and follow him with all their hearts.  “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”