Peter was listening again now.
Jesus’ prophecy of his imminent denials had taken away all His confidence. The subject of Jesus’ teaching now created a tiny bit of hope in the fisherman’s heart. He could not understand why Jesus chose him if He knew he was going to deny Him. There must have been some prospect for Peter’s eventual success. Perhaps this “Helper,” this paraclete, was the answer.
The Holy Spirit
As His time on earth was running out, Jesus sought to prepare His men for the great changes coming to the world. There would be a New Covenant, one vastly superior to the Old Covenant. Everything about worshiping and serving God would change and the Holy Spirit would be at the heart of all the changes. Peter tried to reach through his fear to grasp the hope Jesus was holding out to him. “… 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 things that I said to you.”
The Peace of Christ
This was good news. There was so much to remember and the Holy Spirit would help them remember. A stillness began to settle into Peter’s soul. The other ten disciples felt it too. Sensing this transfer from His heart to theirs,’ Jesus explained. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
It was true. His peace—an astounding calm anchored to the heart of the Father—was flowing into them as they listened to His words. Each man began to believe that he was up to the task. This was a peace none of them had ever known. It was strength to their minds and courage to their hearts. “You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.”
This was new information. He was about to leave but He would be returning to them. Meanwhile, the Comforter would abide with them. “If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.”
They weren’t quite at the point of rejoicing yet but hope was building in their hearts. Jesus saw their struggle. “I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.”
One more thing: They would be opposed. The “ruler of this world” was coming in force. His power was great but was vulnerable to the love of God and the love for God. For these things, the enemy had no countermeasure. Thus, the teachings of Jesus they had heard for three years would be their guide. Loving God would make them strong. Loving people would make them beneficial to a world with no other hope. As He had done on this earth mission, He would continue to do through them and the world would be changed one soul at a time.
The meal was done as was the current lesson so Jesus dismissed His men from the upper room. They departed singing a song of peace.
Scriptures:
John 14:25-31
“These things I have spoken to you while being present 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 things that I 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 heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
Colossians 3:12-17 NKJV
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your peace. It is the anchor of my soul, struck deep into You and holding there. This peace is a spring in my heart bubbling forth without ceasing in all circumstances, those who seem to turn against me and those who seem to flow my way—Your peace permeates all events. I will let Your peace be the umpire of my life. I will let it rule in my heart. You made the world and by the same creative power, You dwell in my heart. I will fear no person but will trust completely in You. Amen and amen.
Song:
Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Heart
Words and Music: Denny Cagle
Let the peace of Christ Rule in your heart
Let the peace of Christ Rule in your heart
And whatever you do in word or deed
Do it all in the name of the Lord
Giving thanks giving thanks
To God through Christ the Lord
Giving thanks giving thanks
To God through Christ the Lord
THE JESUS STORY SERIES
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