Continue with His Disciples

September 25-26, 2013 - Continue With His Disciples – Manna by Dorothy Callies

John 11:54 “Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, unto a city called Ephraim, and there continued with His disciples.”

Why was Jesus not able to go freely in public? The answer is found in verse 53 that says: “So from that time on the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. As a result, Jesus stopped His public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with His disciples” [NLT].

It was nearing the Passover time and this was a deliberate plot to kill Jesus. Jesus was so popular with the people and the religious leaders were afraid to arrest Him during the Passover. The religious leaders did not want their actions to cause the riot among the people. It was not time for them to arrest Jesus because He needed to be with His disciples during the Passover time. And having Communion with them was the important part which the disciples had written in the Gospels for us today.

What was the result that Jesus spent time with His disciples out in the wilderness? We have no idea how many days, weeks or months. The disciples’ fellowship with Jesus must have been something. We see some of them wrote the Gospels, wrote letters, and not only that, they would be rewarded with twelve thrones, each one governing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

This gives you something to think about when you spend time with Jesus and have fellowship with Him, through reading and studying His Word. Singing to Him and worshipping Him would bring results and who knows what He would give you in the future when we will reign with Him. This should encourage you to let Jesus “continue to be with you.”

Song: Friendship with Jesus

1. A friend of Jesus, oh what bliss (bless)

That one so weak as I

Should ever have a friend like this

To lead me to the sky.

Chorus:

Friend-ship with Je-sus,

Fellow-ship divine;

Oh, what blessed sweet communion,

Jesus is a friend of mine.

2. A friend when other friendship cease,

A friend when others fail;

A friend who gives me joy and peace,

A friend who will prevail. (Then chorus)

(J.C. Ludgate, Sing His Praise)