Read John 14:1-31.
It is true that everyone in this world is searching for peace. Fear and anxiety are at an all-time high. Many are looking for ways to escape the anxiety and pain they are facing, desperate for some semblance of peace. They are looking to entertainment, food, relationships, or career achievements, hoping that these things will bring peace. Ultimately, these things will leave them empty. Only Jesus is our true source of peace.
As He prepared for His death, Jesus taught a number of things to His disciples during their last meal together. As they were talking, John chapter fourteen teaches that Jesus made it a point to promise them peace. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart,” He said (verse 27). “And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (verse 27). He reminded them that He was coming back again (verse 28). He also promised that no one had power over Him (verse 30). This means everything about to happen to Jesus would be done because He allowed it. Jesus said these things to His disciples to bring them peace during a time that was going to be anything but peaceful. They were about to see their trusted teacher from the past three years arrested and killed. Their world was about to be turned upside-down. Despite their circumstances, Jesus promised them peace if they would trust Him and remember His teaching.
This peace Jesus promised was also found in the fact that the disciples would not be left alone. In John 14:26, Jesus states that after His death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit would come and dwell among believers. The Holy Spirit’s purpose would be to help believers to live the Christian life. Jesus wanted His disciples to take comfort in knowing they would not be alone.
My friend, just like Jesus offered peace to His disciples, He is offering you peace today. You see, despite any circumstances you are facing, you have this promise: Jesus has conquered sin and death. One day, sickness, sin, death, pain, and sadness will no longer exist (Revelation 21:4). Because of this, we can have the peace of Christ in any situation. Yes, we will still feel the sting of sin, death, and pain while on this earth, but we also know that this is not the end. Jesus promises eternity where these painful, temporary things in the world will no longer exist. This is the peace we have. We also have peace in knowing that the Holy Spirit is with us every second of every day, comforting us and helping us live lives that honor God. Until the day when death, sin, sorrow, and pain are no more, we seek God, we lean on the Holy Spirit, we pray, we study the Bible, and we seek help from professionals, such as Christian counselors, if needed. My friend, Jesus, indeed, is our peace.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of life? Are you having a hard time seeing any ounce of peace in the world around you? Write the word “peace” on your wrist or your bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker today. As you look at your wrist or mirror, remember Christ, our peace, and the hope we have in Him.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
