Jesus is about to die. He is in the last meal, the last moments with the disciples before everything changes. What are his last words? What did he want the disciples to know before everything would be turned upside down?
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1 ESV
He seeks to reassure them that trouble is ahead but that they do not need to be troubled in their heart. The rush of unfairness that makes up life is about to crush what they think life should be and it will be hard, difficult, and painful for these disciples. Do not let your heart be troubled…
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19 ESV
Disciples. Something bad is about to happen but do not be surprised. You are not part of this world because of me. You will not be comfortable in this world. You may not be liked by this world. Do not be shocked if you are mocked and hated. But before your world is rocked disciples know I have chosen you and listen to these words of encouragement.
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7 ESV
You have arrived. You have witnessed truth and you are experiencing life. God stands before you having taken on the form of man. God stands before you in truth. He has provided the way for you.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:25-27 ESV
Jesus leaves with his disciples something greater than anything the world could have given. The world gives riches and pleasures. These things are fleeting and leave us desiring more. What the world gives pulls us away from our creator and are obstacles to the priorities of Christ. This same world Jesus died for the sake of reconciliation. The world will no longer be an obstacle because Jesus has chosen (John 15:19) the disciples out of the world.
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling[c] the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 ESV
Jesus does not give the disciples a worldly temporary gift when he leaves. He gives them his peace. This is a great gift. Would you accept his peace and be reconciled to your creator God the father?
If you enjoyed this then click the like button, leave a comment, or ask a question! You can also jump to John 15:1: He is the Vine and Spring is coming.
