“Let not your hearts be troubled…” John 14:1
These were the words of Jesus to His disciples on the evening before His crucifixion. I would like for you to take a moment to consider all of the things which had occurred in the moments prior to Jesus saying these words of comfort.
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, which was confusing to them.
In doing so, He pronounced one of them to be unclean.
Jesus gives perplexing messages about a forthcoming betrayal.
Jesus Himself was troubled in His spirit.
He then directly states that one of the disciples will betray Him, yet does not name him.
Then, through a process of providing bread to Judas, He identifies His betrayer.
Jesus proclaims to Peter, one of His closest disciples, that even he will deny knowing Him before the next morning comes.
Imagine if you had been called by Jesus, then spent three years following Him and being taught by Him, leaving everything behind you, forsaking your livelihood and even your own family, then experienced all of these things in a few short hours on one single evening. Imagine how confused you would be. “What is happening?” Imagine how concerned for your well-being that you would be. “What am I supposed to do next?” Imagine how scared you would be. “Is my very life in danger?” Very likely, this doesn’t even scrape the tip of the iceberg of what the remaining disciples were feeling.
Then the Master comforts them with these famous words, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Don’t worry about these things, Jesus is saying. I didn’t tell you these things to trouble you – I told you so that you would know what to expect. I am in control – I always have been, and I will always continue to be. I am working out things for your good. You will experience some turmoil, and I don’t want you to be surprised about that. I am leaving to prepare a place for you, and your ultimate victory will be through Me. In the meantime, be obedient to all that I have taught you.
The holidays are a troubling time for many people. As the seasons approach, some people become anxious and even sad, mostly because of the hurt that is experienced due to the loss of a loved one. The disciples knew this feeling well, and the Savior told them not to be troubled. There may be heartache, but our hope is placed in the Perfection of Beauty. During these coming weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas, use God’s word to comfort one another as well as yourself.
Blessings,
Pastor Bruce