Schulz’s adorable comic strip, ‘Peanuts,' features Linus, who sucks his thumb while coddling a ‘security blanket.' If big sister Lucy snatches the cozy blanket, he feels nauseated and dizzy. Although hilarious, similar to Linus, we need consolation when frightening events occur. To illustrate, let’s consider John, Jesus’ youngest disciple. For three years they worked together. By sleeping, eating, and traveling alongside Jesus, John learned to trust his master. Before long, an intimate friendship blossomed. John felt wholly loved by Jesus, calling himself ‘the disciple Jesus loved” (John 21:7). Later, however, the mood blackens.

Now, Jesus serves the last supper (Passover meal) of bread and wine. The twelve gathered in an upper room, and John relaxes upon Jesus’ bosom. Surely, emotions swirl around in John’s cushioned head that dreadful night. Perhaps he felt insecure or even feared for his own life. Maybe he consoled himself with Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all who labor with heavy burdens and I will give you rest.” 

Decades later, John wrote “Don’t let your hearts be troubled but believe in me. I prepare a place for you to be with me forever” (John 14:1-3). Finally, John knew that Jesus was sent from God to die. Therefore, because Jesus had nowhere to lay his head on earth, we are privileged to receive his perfect leadership (Mt 8:20, John 3:16). If we accept Jesus as our Savior, his loving care becomes an inner lining for our souls on a frigid night.

Oh, Jesus, you are our ‘security blanket.' One who soothes our weary minds and gives us peaceful hearts. We cradle our heads upon your almighty power. Amen.