John 14:18 I will not leave you orphans
That’s Jesus’ words to His disciples at the last supper. Notice He told them this AFTER Judas left to betray Him. He didn’t tell this to Judas.
Jesus goes on to say,
John 14:18 I will come to you
showing them that his departure through crucifixion is not abandonment. He promises to return and remain with them spiritually through the Holy Spirit.
The verse is a comfort against loneliness, ensuring believers that they are never truly alone, but are loved, guided, and cared for by Christ.
Orphans are tough worldly speaking. They have no one helping them, so they suck it up and just do it. They don’t need anyone nor trust anyone, and usually die alone and miserable. That ‘tough orphan mindset’ hurts a Christian’s walk if they’re not careful.
Christians aren’t orphans, even if they are actual orphans. We are never alone nor abandoned. The Holy Spirit is there, helping us. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us continually.
Orphans are fatherless or without a guardian. Jesus uses this to mean leaving his followers without assistance, guidance, or protection.
“I Will Come to You” This refers primarily to his post-resurrection appearances and, more enduringly, the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell believers.
Jesus speaks this during the Last Supper to soothe the anxiety of his followers, who were distressed by his talk of leaving.
Praise God we’re not orphans. Praise God He lets us help widows and orphans so they’re not alone either!
James, my favorite book, has a lot to say about this. True religion in the sight of God is taking care of the vulnerable—specifically orphans and widows in their distress—and maintaining personal holiness by keeping oneself unstained from worldly corruption. It emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through practical compassion and consistent, daily righteous living.
Pure and Undefiled Religion isn’t sitting at home or in a church or in a bar criticizing those who are out there doing it. It refers to the outward, tangible expression of an inward, saving faith.
Visit Orphans and Widows in Their Distress implies an intentional, active, and caring involvement, not just a brief, passing visit. It signifies investing, caring for, and looking after those who are helpless in society.
Keep Oneself Unstained/Unspotted from the World calls for moral purity and integrity, resisting the influence of sinful patterns and selfishness, and self righteousness.
Jesus didn’t leave us as orphans, but rather to help the orphans. It’s a practical application of faith, often seen not just as a command, but as a description of what a faith-filled life looks like.
The following verse is a powerful call to action that combines caring for the needy with personal holiness. Has NOTHING TO DO WITH VOTING FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DO IT FOR THE GLORY OF THE GOVERNMENT, but for YOU TO DO IT YOURSELF FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.