The Explanation

Jesus sat with his friends. It was almost dark. His friends felt scared. A little bit sad too. Jesus said, "Don't be scared." His voice was soft. "I am going to my Father's house," he said. "There are so many rooms there. Big, warm rooms." "I will make a place. A place just for you." Thomas did not understand. "We don't know the way," he said. Jesus looked at him kindly. "I am the way," he said. "Follow me. That is the way."

What Does This Mean?

Philip wanted to see God. "Show us the Father," he said. Jesus smiled at his friend. "You have already seen him." "When you see me, you see my Father too." That is a big thing to hear. But Jesus said it gently. He was not far away and cold. He was right there. Sitting with them. Eating with them. Loving them.

The Common Thread

Jesus told his friends something else too. "I will not leave you all alone," he said. "I will send you a Helper. He will stay with you." This Helper is God's Spirit. You cannot see him. Like the wind, you cannot see the wind. But you can feel it. You can feel him too. Jesus said, "I go away, and I come to you." He was going to his Father. But he was not really leaving. Not truly. Not forever.

For You

Then Jesus said something soft and warm. "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you." Peace is like a quiet feeling inside your tummy. Not scared. Not worried. Just calm. Like when someone you love holds your hand. Jesus said, "Don't let your heart be troubled." "Don't let it be scared." When you feel scared at night, you can remember this. Jesus is not far away. He is near, like a friend who never leaves.

Talk About It

When do you feel a little scared, like Jesus' friends did?

What helps you feel peace, like a hug or a quiet song?

Praying Together

Dear Jesus, Thank you that you are near. Thank you for your peace. When I am scared, help me remember you. You are the way to your Father. Hold my hand today. Amen.