From time to time, recently, we have been meditating on the words of Jesus from John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
In this devotional, I want to focus on Jesus’ promise: “In Me You Have Peace.”
Why does Jesus give us peace? How does Jesus give us mental and spiritual “well-being”? Perhaps you know that the Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. The concept is that of inner tranquility. It’s the settled conviction of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that allowed them to tell King Nebuchadnezzar: “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (3:17-18). That, family, is shalom.
What words does Jesus give His apostles in this text that would give them peace, despite the imminent departure for their Master and Friend? In chapter 13, Jesus had washed their feet. In that context, He said He had given them an example of loving service and they should do as He had done. “A slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (13:16-17). You want to enjoy the peace of Christ? Learn to serve others. Allow yourself to be the clay in the hands of the Heavenly Potter. It seems the natural human reaction, when we are discouraged, to withdraw from human interaction including withdrawing from worship with the saints. That is exactly the last thing we need to be doing when we are discouraged! However, I would also urge faithful Christians to keep an eye on others and if they seem to be missing worship, check on them. They might need encouragement.
In the middle of the paragraph about “love” in John 13, Jesus told them “I have loved you” (13:34). In fact, this whole discussion is set in the context of Jesus’ love for His disciples. Observe 13:1: “Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end…” He has this discussion with them. Do you want to enjoy the peace of Christ? Remember that He loves you. Don’t just let those words go into one ear and exit the other. Allow them to sink into your heart. Jesus will use the word “love” thirty-four times in this series of chapters!
I have already reminded us of the encouraging words in John 14:1-4. Jesus is the “way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” When you have tribulation in the world, remind yourself who you are: You are a Christian. And He is coming back to get you. You just have to be faithful unto the end. That’s all.
Paul Holland
