Even with the glorious news of Christ's resurrection, the disciples remained hidden, burdened by their actions. Yet, Christ arrives, a beacon of hope and unreserved comfort, offering peace in the midst of their doubt.

As Palm Sunday dawns, confusion swirls around Jesus' identity and mission.  Jesus' final prayer is a plea for God's continued protection and unity amidst His followers' trials.  This all foreshadows the sacrifice that will ultimately bring oneness through His resurrection.

As we approach the crucifixion, Jesus is giving comfort amidst coming hardship, revealing a deeper connection with the Father and to peace despite future scattering. All this echoes the story of Lazarus, where Jesus' power over death foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

The world may boast victory in the face of our struggles, leaving us blind to the bigger picture. But Jesus, the one who illuminates our innermost being, whispers a promise of sight beyond the present darkness. Like the man born blind, our blurry vision will someday come into focus, revealing an unstoppable joy.

Like a vine tender cares for their vineyard, Jesus nurtures each branch. Nicodemus, once overgrown and shadowed, needed pruning to grow in the light. At the cross, after 3 years of pruning, everyone else saw only darkness, but Nicodemus saw the light of the King.

To the lost souls feeling orphaned, the lonely drawing water in the heat, the outcasts fearing rejection, and those trembling before evil's seeming victory.  Jesus comforts, "I am your hope, and darkness has no hold on you."

Jesus knows Peter is going to deny Him. Jesus knows our own failures. But while speaking to Peter and our failures, Jesus brings comfort to troubled hearts, and He makes room for us.

Jesus love them to the end.