The Love of God: Peace I Leave With You

John 14 is full of comfort.

Jesus is preparing to leave, and His disciples are troubled.

So He gives them promises.

Promises of a place. Promises of the Helper. Promises of peace.

And all of it flows from the love of God.

Do not let your hearts be troubled

Jesus begins:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me."

The antidote to fear is faith.

Not positive thinking.

Not self-confidence.

Faith in Christ.

The love of God does not dismiss our fears. It gives us Someone greater to trust.

I am the way

Thomas asks, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Jesus answers:

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

This is exclusive.

This is absolute.

There is no other way to God except through Jesus Christ.

The love of God provides one way, and that way is sufficient.

The Helper will come

Jesus promises:

"I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth."

The disciples will not be orphans.

Jesus is leaving, but He is sending the Helper.

The Holy Spirit will teach them, remind them, and be with them forever.

The love of God does not leave us alone. It sends the Spirit to dwell in us.

Peace I leave with you

Jesus says:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

The world's peace depends on circumstances.

Christ's peace transcends circumstances.

It is a peace that holds even in suffering, even in loss, even in death.

The love of God gives peace that the world cannot give and cannot take away.

Final exhortation

The love of God in John 14 is this:

Christ prepares a place for us.

He is the only way to the Father.

He sends the Helper to be with us.

And He gives us peace that does not depend on our circumstances.

Do not let your heart be troubled.

Trust in God. Trust also in Christ.

Because the love of God has made a way, sent the Spirit, and given peace.

Closing prayer

Father, thank You for the way, the truth, and the life in Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending the Helper to be with us forever. Give us Your peace that transcends understanding, and help us to trust You when our hearts are troubled. In Jesus' name, amen.