Paul bid a very tearful farewell to some of his followers in Ephesus. He was being taken to Rome, and he knew that he would not be back. It might have been tempting to avoid the trip and try to disappear. But he knew that God was calling him there, and that the seeds he had planted in the community would bear fruit. We always have to keep moving forward, even when the way is unknown and big challenges await us. If Jesus is walking by our side, we should not fear anything.

In the rather complicated final prayer of Jesus, a couple of things stand out. Only by knowing the one true God can we have eternal life. As the one sent from God, Jesus is the one who makes this possible. He has revealed the name of God to his followers. This means that he revealed God's true nature, and we know from the letters of John that God's nature is absolute love and light. It is important that we know God personally, not just know 'about' God. The key is an open heart and mind, as well as willingness to abide in Jesus always.