The conversation round the table at the time that Jesus spoke to his close followers for the last time before His death, was one that suffused them with joy and love.
It was not all joy as He warned them of the suffering they would endure as His followers and their life was to be one of humble service to those around them.
There was no mention of their weakness and sinfulness, but a call to obedience and fruitfulness. The only negative note was concerning lack of fruit in their lives and the stern action God would take against that.
It is perhaps strange to us that He does not speak of their sinfulness, causing them to perhaps value more what He was about to accomplish in His approaching death. One hears this theme from some who preach the gospel. It was future glory made possible by His Resurrection, and the Holy Spirit given to them that was uppermost in His mind. It was comfort He came to bring.
It sounds much more like the welcoming arms of the Father to His errant son who realises his lostness and returns home. It is the returning that marks repentance and is the cause of joy. The older brother could and would not return; his heart had never been there. It is coldness of heart and lack of fruitfulness that Jesus abhorred.
Men can never keep balance in life as he is unable to fully comprehend God who alone is all wisdom.
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