Journey Through Johnنموونە

Scripture:

John 14:27 ”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Observation:

Hearing Jesus speak of His death and of going away without them was frightening for His disciples. They knew there were people in power who wanted to kill Jesus and it seemed like Jesus was not planning to fight them. This wasn’t turning out as they had hoped. They were confused and anxious. Jesus promised them a special Counselor who would make Jesus present within them even after He was gone physically. Jesus promised an amazing sense of peace, even in the midst of frightening circumstances. 

Application:

As I mom, the thing that makes me most anxious is the welfare of my children. I long for them all to make good choices and to get through these difficult teen and young-adult years safely as committed followers of Christ. There are so many temptations for them, so many competing ideas to the way of Jesus, so many things that could pull them off-course and mess up their lives. I often feel anxious and wish that I could push them in certain directions, but ultimately as they grow older and more independent, I can only pray and trust God to guide them. I need to put my burden of concern for them at Jesus’ feet, trust that He will work in them, and accept the peace that Jesus offers me through the Holy Spirit within me. 

Prayer:

Jesus I know that You love my children even more than I do. I ask You to watch over each one of them and help them make good choices that keep them close to You and give them a good start for their adult life. Forgive me for letting anxiety about them fill my heart so often. Help me trust You with them and receive Your peace in my heart. Amen.

Truths to notice:

14:2-3 Jesus went back to His Father to prepare a place for His followers to live with Him, and He will come back someday and take us there. 

14:6 The only way to God is through Jesus.

14:7-9 To see and know Jesus is to see and know God the Father. 

14:11, 24 Jesus’ miracles were done by the Father, and His teaching came from the Father. These were evidence of Jesus’ very close relationship with God the Father.

14:15 If we love Jesus, it will show itself in our obedience to His will. 

14:16-20 Jesus and the Father would send their Spirit as a Counselor to be with us after Jesus left earth. The Spirit would be Jesus in us and would teach us from within (v.26).

14:27 Jesus gives us a peace of a different quality than what the world can offer.

14:30-31 Satan (the prince of this world) was involved in the crucifixion of Jesus, but Satan wasn’t really in control. Jesus willingly did what His Father asked Him to do.