Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ — John 13:33

As a pastor, I have seen a lot of people transition from the land of the dying into the land of the living. I have stood by parents holding a small dying fetus in their hands, and I have sat at the bedside of the aged who were painfully dying of cancer. And I know impending death always forces a person to think about life. And when people of faith encounter these moments, they will say some of the most profound things.

In our text, Jesus is looking down the pike of his death. And he knows it. He knows that this moment will be one of the last moments he will have with his disciples together. And because he is aware of this transition, he talks to the men as if they are his own children. Not in a condescending manner, but in a loving fatherly manner. And here are his words:

"Where I am going you cannot come."

What Jesus is saying to them is that their mission is about to experience a transition. A transition that is not going to include them. The next phase, which includes his crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension, is something he has to do alone. Up to this point, they have been obedient to his call to "follow me," but from this point forward, they cannot come. The next steps could only be taken alone and only by the Savior.

Life is full of transitions. We all encounter them. God orchestrates them. They come with beginnings and endings. And our role is to embrace them as they come. To steward them faithfully. And to speak into them as they occur. Sometimes these transitional moments present us with teachable opportunities. And we should speak the truth into them, leaving people with godly wisdom that causes them to reflect and remember.

So if you are in a transition today, steward it gracefully. End well and begin well. But also consider this — speaking into it. Speak something that has some spiritual significance into this moment. It might leave a mark that lasts well beyond you.

ASK THIS:

1. In the face of life's transitions, how can we embrace the unknown with grace and trust in God's plan?
2. As we navigate endings and beginnings, how can we make the most of these teachable moments and leave a lasting impact on those around us?

DO THIS: Speak into the transition.

PRAY THIS: Dear Lord, in the midst of life's transitions and uncertainties, I humbly seek Your guidance and strength to embrace the unknown with unwavering trust, knowing that Your plan for me is perfect and purposeful. Help me make the most of each teachable moment, leaving a lasting impact as I walk in faith and love those around me.

PLAY THIS: The Cross Has The Final Word.