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3. Christ's farewell peace (John 14:26-31)
JOHN 14:26
26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.
Who dares to claim that he has grasped the sense of all Christ’s words? And who can memorize all his sayings or carry them out? The troubled disciples at the Lord’s supper considered the betrayer’s mischief and what he was likely to do. They were unable to recall much of what Jesus said in his farewell talk, apart from John.
Jesus was comforted by the disciples forgetfulness, knowing that the Spirit of truth would come upon them to illumine and renew them as he had exhorted them. The Spirit continues Jesus’ work with the same sense and aim. He protects the weak. Jesus did not select geniuses, scholars adept in philosophy and rhetoric; rather he chose fishermen, tax gatherers and sundry sinners to put to shame the lofty knowledge of the world of advanced scholarship. The Father in mercy sent his Spirit to the incapable to make them His children, gifted with the wisdom of humility, denying themselves and living in uprightness.
Jesus did not publish a book in poetic style, nor did he dictate his gospel to someone who might mislay some leaves or forget the substance. He confidently expected the Spirit of truth to teach his disciples, illumine, guide and remind them of all he said. The Gospel is one of the Spirit’s great acts until this day. He committed the plan of salvation to human language, to the memory of disciples; but the Spirit reminded and taught them, establishing them in Jesus’ sayings so that the Spirit would glorify the Son by means of the Apostle’s witness. We have no other book save the writings of Christ’s apostles, who humbly presented the world the knowledge and faith they had received. No added words were put in Jesus’ mouth. Their preaching was not chill and dry news becoming obsolete in time, but the Spirit has renewed the vitality of these narratives continually to this day. When we read the gospel, it is as if we are reading of events that occur in our day. If we listen to Christ’s words, it is as if he touches our ears with his voice. He who claims that the disciples invented or distorted the original gospel ignores the Spirit of truth, since in the Holy Spirit there is no deceit; he is Truth and Love.
JOHN 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
Jesus offered his disciples peace, ending his farewell address on this note, peace that exceeds all human salutations. He was leaving, but bequeathed his peace to hover over their assemblies. He did speak of the bogus peace as the tabloid newspapers do. Temptations were sure to come since people live apart from God and his wrath falls on all the iniquities of men. Jesus speaks of a different peace, peace in consciences, resulting from the forgiveness of sins that springs from our reconciliation with God and is present in the peace within the Church. The peace of Christ is the Holy Spirit, the eternal unceasing power coming from God in Him and returning to Him.
Lying, hatred and violence, murder, envy, greed and impurity are widespread in the world. But Jesus commands us not to allow these Satanic waves to submerge us. The Evil One is the prince of this world, but in Jesus, the Beloved, peace pervades which deters us from falling into gloom and despair. It also frees us from troubled hearts and the fear of death. The believer in Christ dwells in God and God in him. Does this apply to you? Jesus lay asleep in the boat amidst the stormy waves. All in the boat were desperate as water filled the vessel. Then Jesus rose and rebuked the storm and there was calm. He said to his disciples, "O you of little faith, why are you afraid?"
JOHN 14:28-31
28 You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I. 29 Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe. 30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world comes, and he has nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father commanded me, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
The disciples were troubled as their Lord repeated the news that he would leave them. The parting drew near. Again, Jesus confirmed his departure, but also stressed the fact that he was returning. He said, "Rejoice, I leave you, because I go to the Father. Rejoice at my going to my original homeland. I shall not place on you anything like the suffering of the cross. I shall free you from the fear of the tomb. My message to you is about your unity with the Father. If you loved me, you would rejoice at my return to heaven. I regard my Father as greater than me. I love Him dearly, but my love for you shall also never cease. I shall come to you in His Spirit."
Jesus drew a great picture of the Father for them to realize His majesty and cling to Him, as well as be ready for their parting from the Master who was nigh unto death. Jesus wished them to remember that even death did not signify that God was his adversary. The peace between Father and Son was enduring so the Father would draw him to Himself beyond that death.
Further talk was unnecessary; Jesus rose to accomplish the Father’s bidding, that is the world’s redemption on the cross. Then the Spirit would come upon his disciples. This redemption would apply to all humanity. He wished that every person would be aware of God’s infinite love.
Then Jesus and his followers left the upper room where he had set the New Covenant, and went out into the gloom of night, crossing the Kidron valley. They walked to the Mount of Olives towards the Garden of Gethsemane, where the betrayer lurked.
PRAYER: We thank you, Lord, for your peace. You have cleansed our hearts and given us rest. Forgive our anxieties, fears and despair in the torrents of hatred, conflicts and corruption. Thank you for your Spirit to guard us in peace. May he remind us in the hours of temptation of your powerful words, so that we may not fall in sin and unbelief or the curse of despair, but look to you praying in hope, patient in gladness. Thank you that our way leads back to the Father. We bow to you, o Lamb of God, for preparing a home for us in heaven.
QUESTION:
- What is God’s peace?
QUIZ - 5
Dear reader,
send us correct answers to 12 of these 14 questions. We shall then send you the sequel of this series of studies.
- Why did Jesus accept Mary’s anointing?
- What does Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem signify?
- Why is Christ’s death regarded as the glorification of truth?
- What is meant by our becoming sons of light?
- What is God’s commandment in Christ to all?
- What is meant by Jesus washing his disciples’ feet?
- What do we learn from Christ’s example?
- What are the meanings of glory that Jesus demonstrated when Judas left him?
- Why is love the only sign that distinguishes Christians?
- What is the relationship between Christ and God the Father?
- Mention a primary condition for answered prayer!
- What are the attributes that Jesus applies to the Holy Spirit?
- How does our love for Christ grow and how does the Trinity descend on us?
- What is God’s peace?
Do not forget to write your name and full address clearly on the quiz sheet, not only on the envelope. Send it to the following address:
Waters of Life
P.O.Box 600 513
70305 Stuttgart
Germany
Internet: www.waters-of-life.net
Internet: www.waters-of-life.org
e-mail: info@waters-of-life.net