For October 19, 2026
Gone But Not Gone by Greg Holmes, D.MIN – Director of Missions serving 17 churches
THE CLOSER JESUS GETS TO THE CROSS , the more often he tells the disciples of his impending death. They usually do not understand; perhaps they are in denial, and simply don’t want to understand. We might see it that way from our perspective, with the clear benefit of two millennium of preceding Christian history, as well as from our own experiential trials engaging with the death of Jesus. But the new covenant had not fully come in their time, nor would it until fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection. Nor had he spoken clearly to them yet. The disciple’s curiosity is strong, but they are timid about asking Jesus to clarify himself. What he tells them next hardly seems to help. “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” (John 16:20) He will disappear, and then reappear again. They have seen him work miracles; is this to be another, or is he some form of magician?