Troubles never come single but in a row. No sooner does Jesus foretell the trouble of persecution than He adds the trouble of isolation: "But now I am going to Him who sent Me." The disciples will be not only the target of the world's persecution but they will also be isolated from Jesus. Is it part of your experience that when you are smarting under a heavy blow, a heavier one falls upon you? If so, you are in good company: Jesus first, and then the whole line of His true disciples.

To the compound trouble of persecution and isolation, Jesus adds a stern rebuke to His disciples for being overcome by trouble, "sorrow has filled your hearts". It would seem that Jesus is going too far. And yet, His apparent harshness is a real mercy to them. Jesus does not blame them for having trouble but for allowing themselves to be overcome by it.

We are never blamed for being weak but for refusing to be strong when the chance for it is given. How often have we given up under stress and strain precisely because we forget to ask Jesus to give us a hand? I can never say that I have done my best unless I have used the full power of Jesus. That is why Jesus lovingly rebukes His disciples, "sorrow has filled your hearts", "and yet you do not ask me".