Is Jesus Really With Us?

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

-Matthew 28:16-20

At Camp Metigoshe where I work for the summer, us staff members and sometimes campers put on what we call a "Christ Hike" or walking passion play portraying Jesus' last few days on Earth. Some of our campers take this showing seriously and has a deep meaning in their faith lives. There was one little girl, however, that caught my attention and melted my heart. At one point she said, "I'll follow you, Jesus!" When the crowd before Pilate cheered to crucify Jesus, she cheered to free him. Then after I had finished my last lines during the resurrection scene, the girl came up to me and said, "I'm so glad you're back, Jesus! I never want you to leave!" So I told her (still in character), "Then I will always be with you." And that made my night.

This is the question to ponder though: is Jesus really always with us? Certainly we can feel his presence during the good times, but what about our tough times when we struggle? Jesus struggled during his last moments in life. At one point he did not know if he could go through with God's plan in dying on the cross for us saying, "If it be possible, take this cup from me." Jesus prayed to the Father that he did not have to suffer, but then he turns around and says, "Not my will, but yours be done." Jesus suffered for us and in turn knows that we struggle too. But we know that this is not the end of the story. Jesus does come back and tells us, "Remember, I am with you always, until the end of time."