“Do not let your heart be troubled (tarassō: to strike one’s spirit with fear and dread); believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)
In just a few days Jesus was going to be taken to be humiliated, beaten and crucified. This same Jesus that had performed so many miracles and made such an awesome impact on the lives of His followers. He tried to prepare them for this troubling event that was about to take place but they were not understanding the warnings Jesus explained to them. He was explaining to them that: “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)
I do not think they had any idea what He was telling them, “Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” (John 14:5).
“You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father…”Now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe.” (John 14:28-29) On one occasion He stated: “…that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” (Mark 8:31) This was just so unbelievable to them that Peter: “…took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.” (Mark 8:32). This cannot be possible, you are the Son of God! Have we ever felt that way when we are facing some challenge? Serious health issues, loss of a loved one or some other tragic event in our lives? Which may cause us to wonder, where are you Jesus? You know what He would say to us, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me…Peace I leave with you; MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU; not as the world gives do I give to you. DO NOT LET YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:1, 27)
LET’S RECEIVE THE WONDERFUL PEACE OF GOD, FREELY GIVEN TO US…
-Bill Stockham