Jesus knows his disciples’ world is about to fall apart. Rather than give them a plan of action, he gives them (and us) something better to hold onto: assurance of who he is, and that he will be with them always.

Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem was indeed triumphal, but not in the political way the crowds wanted or expected. His actions over the coming days would reveal what true greatness looks like—and they set several patterns for us to follow today.

Where is God when life falls apart? It’s the literal question Mary and Martha are asking when their brother, Lazarus, dies. Jesus’ response—and the timing of his response—has much to teach us about faith, hope and the character of God.

Jesus describes an image the Jewish people knew well: wandering sheep, and the shepherd who gathers and cares for them. We can be wanderers, too—often by choice. Do we hear and recognize his voice?