A Troubled Jesus

BY REV. DORAL PULLEY

Scripture Reference – John 13:21

Jesus Christ spent a lot of me and energy investing in his disciples. When they were hunger, he fed them. When they or their family members were sick, he healed them. When they had questions, he answered them. When they needed money, he provided for their needs.

Jesus Christ trained his disciples to continue his ministry and mission by being who he was, saying what he said and doing what he did and performing even greater works (John 14:12). He taught them how to preach and teach, how to heal the sick and how to perform various other miracles.  He demonstrated for them how to handle the most challenging situations.

When his disciples betrayed him, denied him and abandoned him during his me of greatest need, it was troubling for him.  He felt hurt, disappointed and he was frustrated with them.  Jesus Christ’s statement, “Let not your heart be troubled” was not just empty words.  These words were powerful because he knew how it felt to have a troubled heart (John 14:1).

Jesus Christ did not stifle his emotions, but expressed it to them directly.  It is important for us to deal with our emotions as we feel them (Matthew 5:23-24, 18:15-17).  If it was important enough for us to feel them, then it is important enough for us to address with the people who elicited them.  We can’t be emotionally fit holding on to negative energy.  It is important to release it and let it go, so that nothing is blocking the flow of good in our lives.

Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.