By: Undre Griggs, Jr.
Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the significance of His death, and the comforter who will come and bring them peace. While the disciples may not have been able to comprehend how significant of a statement Jesus is making at the time, they realize he spoke enough.
John 14:25-28 (ESV): “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 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. 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. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.”
After Jesus was hung on the cross, His disciples probably felt lost and without purpose. They were meeting behind closed doors and appeared lost without Jesus’ presence. Nonbelievers mocked Jesus and His followers because they believed Jesus’ death confirmed He was not the Son of God. Jesus knew His disciples were going to be in fear for their lives, while simultaneously mourning the loss of their master. This can only be seen as the worst three days of the disciple’s lives, yet Jesus says they will find peace. Jesus understands His death is going to be tough on His disciples, but He also understands the comfort the Holy Spirit provides will aid them immensely.
John 16:33 (ESV): I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
The peace that Jesus spoke of is evident by the fact that Christianity still exists today. The death, torture, and turmoil that early Christians endured would have broken most. The average person would have calculated the persecution on earth and determined, renouncing Christianity made the most sense. However, because so many witnessed Jesus’ resurrection and believed in His promises, they did not forsake their faith. The followers of Christ were able to find peace in the worst of times, because they knew Jesus promised everlasting life. Jesus’ reward did not have a financial significance like the gifts that the world offers. His rewards endure until the end of time and bring us peace. Let us all find peace knowing that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father speaking on our behalf.
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