In light of our world and national situation, I felt it was appropriate to remind us of some of Jesus’ final words to His disciples.
The crucifixion is just hours away. Jesus knows the spiritual, physical and mental state of his disciples – He knows they are hoping that He will overturn the government and set up an earthly kingdom. He knows they are moved by fear. He’s had to address that several times in the past and He knows that one of his disciples will betray him for money and the others will leave Him in His darkness hour.
He not only knows their weaknesses and fears He knows ours as well. He knows our fears – the things we haven’t voiced to anyone. He knows our spiritual condition; He knows where our faith is weak and He is very aware of our physical limitations. He spoke these words to comfort and encourage the disciples.
This is what Jesus is saying to all of us as well.
“Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me…18 I won’t leave you like orphans. I will come back to you. 19 In a little while the people of this world won’t be able to see me, but you will see me. And because I live, you will live. 20 Then you will know that I am one with the Father. You will know that you are one with me, and I am one with you. 21 If you love me, you will do what I have said, and my Father will love you. I will also love you and show you what I am like…23 Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. 24 But anyone who doesn’t love me, won’t obey me. What they have heard me say doesn’t really come from me, but from the Father who sent me. 25 I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you. 27 I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid” John 14 CEV (these verses are only a part of the chapter, I encourage you to read the whole chapter)
“I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” verse 27
Jesus starts the chapter with “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me”. There are no truer words to be spoken today. Don’t worry, have faith in God and take my peace. When I read these words they seem to be the words of a last will and testament. It’s as if Jesus is giving us an inheritance of a worry-free, peace-filled life.
What a wonderful inheritance!
We can trust God! He promised if we put our faith in Him we will never be ashamed.
“I come to you, Lord, for protection. Don’t let me be ashamed. Do as you have promised and rescue me. 2 Listen to my prayer and hurry to save me. Be my mighty rock and the fortress where I am safe. 3 You, Lord God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored.” Psalm 31:1-3 CEV
Let’s take His peace today – don’t be worried or afraid but trust in the One who loved us enough that He died for us! He loves us enough that He lives for us and intercedes for us from His throne in heaven!
Peace!
