Are you busy? May is usually a very busy month for teachers. There are so many end-of-the-year activities going on. It’s possible that you are preparing your students for a play, concert, or maybe even a preschool graduation. May is busy. You are probably finishing up fourth quarter report cards and making sure that everyone takes all their supplies home with them on the last day. God be with you in all of those preparations. May is busy, and then it’s gone. Quiet. Finally, a time to take a breath and reflect.

In our reading today, Jesus was busy. He was busy preparing the disciples for his departure into heaven. He was busy encouraging them to remain in him. He was busy commanding them to love each other and keep his commands.

Jesus had to go away, but he would be with them again, eventually, forever in heaven. Jesus had to leave, but the Spirit would dwell in them, and therefore, they would never be without him.

In verse 27 of our Bible reading for today, Jesus tells his disciples, “And you must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.”
Read that last part one more time. “from the beginning.” The disciples had been with Jesus, just like your students have been with you since the beginning. You might be leaving each other soon, but the Spirit never leaves them. He is with them and he is with you.

In the busyness of all of your end-of-the-year preparations, remind your students that even though your class will disperse for a time, they’re never alone. Even though they will be saying goodbye to the friendly faces at school and their daily time in the Word with their classmates is coming to an end, they have the Spirit dwelling among them. They can call on him, in Jesus’ name. He is available to them at all times.

Jesus had so many important things to tell his disciples, because he loved them. He knew that the most important thing was to see them in eternity. He wants to see us all there, too.

So yes, you’re busy, but busy doing his work. You are telling the next generation about their Savior! Your planning isn’t in vain. Your students will benefit greatly from your busyness. Their families will benefit greatly from your faithful work and urgency in sending them off with the news that they are never alone. May he bless your work and then may he give you time to rest, regroup, and then be busy doing his work again.