Troubled in Spirit

Jesus ... was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.
(John 13:21-24 NKJV)

Peter said to Him, "Lord ... I will lay down my life for Your sake." Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times." (John 13:37-38 NKJV)

"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth ... and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you."
(John 16:12-14 NKJV)

When troubled in spirit, Jesus shared with it those closest to Him. One by one, they asked, "Is it I, Lord?" Jesus put in His confidence John and Peter. Did Peter fully appreciate being privy to Jesus' secret torment? Or merely feel relief that he was not himself the betrayer, unmindful that he was the denier?

When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, He is putting us in God's confidence, and sharing with us what makes God troubled in spirit. Do we appreciate the confidence deeply enough to immediately turn from sin? Or presume upon our relationship, unmindful of the pain we cause?

Our Father, Lord Jesus, and Spirit of Truth, we are unworthy of the precious truth You reveal to us, yet You call us Your friends. Please make our hearts tender to Your own heart. Please enable us to be worthy friends, troubled in spirit by what troubles You.

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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy