The word translated as “troubled” means to agitate, to stir up. With this, Jesus commands us not to be so agitated. Do not be so worried. When things go wrong, when things do not meet our expectations, when we are disappointed and fearful, settle down! Trust in God. Trust in Jesus.
In the midst of difficulties, we continue to trust in God. Jesus goes to prepare a place for us. If this were not so, he would have told us. Jesus does not lie. When he goes, he will return at the right time. He does this so we may be where he is.
Jesus wants us to live with him in his Father's house. If this was not God's plan, he would have told us. God's plan is for us to live with him. This is why Jesus said he will take us to the Father's house.
Jesus said, “I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.” Therefore, the way to him is to wait for him. When difficulties come, we struggle against it; believing the words of Jesus. He will come and help us. He will come and receive us so we may be with him.
Thomas said he did not know where Jesus was going so he did not know the way. Jesus' answer implied where he was going was not important.
What matters is Jesus himself. He is the Way. He went to the Father and this is also our destiny. We can only go to the Father through Jesus.
| Lord, may I respond to your grace to trust in you. May I be bold enough to trust in you. May I be bold enough to wait for you and follow you wherever you lead. I know if I trust you, I shall know the Father. |
Ask in the Name of Jesus
Philip wanted to see the Father. In answer, Jesus revealed his unity with the Father.
To see Jesus is to see the Father. To hear Jesus is to hear the Father. To believe in Jesus is to believe in the Father. If one finds it hard to believe in Jesus, one can look at what Jesus did. Believe in his works. His works always point to Jesus.
The one who believes Jesus will do greater things than Jesus. This is possible because Jesus was going to the Father. Jesus promised, “Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
Whatever one asks in his name, he will do. This is for one purpose: to glorify the Father. This is the purpose of our lives - to give glory to the Father. To ask in Jesus' name is to ask what he will ask. It is to be one with the will of the Father. Because Jesus is one with the Father, what he asks is always in the will of the Father.
| Jesus, thank you for teaching me to ask from the Father and for the assurance the Father will give me what I ask in your name. Give me the confidence to seek the Father's will - to seek his glory. |
The Holy Spirit
Loving Jesus is loving the Father. Jesus reveals himself to those who love him. The proof of our love for Jesus is obedience to him. He tells us what he wants and if we love him, we will obey him. When we love Jesus, he will pray to the Father to send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will be with us forever.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. The world does not see him or know him. But he lives in us and will be with us. The Spirit will never leave us. Where the Holy Spirit is, Jesus and the Father are there. Jesus will leave but we shall see him because we believe. We live according to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Anyone who follows Jesus loves him. The Father and Jesus will dwell in him. What does this mean? The Father and Jesus will make us their home. They will live and rule in us. We will have fellowship with them. The Spirit will teach ALL things and will remind us of ALL things. The Spirit is the one who teaches us.
Holy Spirit of Truth, come with your power. Come and lead me to Jesus, the Truth. Live in me and be with me. Let me see Jesus. Teach me all things and remind me of all things. Come Lord, let me see Jesus.
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The Peace of Jesus
Jesus gives his peace. In the midst of trouble, we shall have peace because we know Jesus is in control. This is a command: “Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.”
The phrase: “Don't let your hearts be troubled” is repeated twice in this chapter. God's word is important - this is why scripture is vital to one's life. If something is mentioned twice in scripture, then it requires much attention.
Since this phrase occurs twice in this chapter, it needs some attention. As mentioned earlier, the word translated as “troubled” means to stir up sediments so the water becomes unclear.
Jesus commands us to keep our minds clear. We should not cloud our hearts that we become confused. Instead, our hearts should remain steadfast - faithful to God.
Jesus also commands us not to be afraid. Often, when our hearts are troubled, we start to worry. When Jesus was about to die, he commanded his disciples to remain steadfast and not to be afraid. They needed to trust him, to trust his word so they could have peace.
We too should trust in the words of Jesus. When difficulties and uncertainties come, our only hope is in the words of Jesus - he will never abandon us. We find confidence by trusting in God's word.
| Lord, you command me not to be troubled. You command me not to be afraid. Indeed Lord, the only way to have peace is to hold to your word. Teach me to hold on to your word so I may have peace. |
“If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said 'I am going to my Father;'”. If we love Jesus, we will want the best for him. His going to the Father was the best for him. Although the disciples wanted him to be with them physically, he had to go to the Father.
In life, we will have troubles. Jesus will seem to abandon us. It would seem like he has left us. But we believe, we know, he will come again. The Spirit will always remind us of the promises of Jesus. He will teach us everything we need to know when trouble comes. Troubles have to come so we can see the power of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus leaves - he sends the Holy Spirit.
His words are also signs to prove he is in control. Evil will come but it does not have any hold on Jesus. Jesus is more powerful than the Evil One and the Evil One had no hold over him. Because of this, Jesus was ready to face him. He told his disciples to stand and he led them on.
When confronted by evil, we will not be afraid. We stand with Jesus also, ready so Jesus can lead us to confront the Evil One.
| Lord, I want the peace only you can give. In the midst of trouble and difficulties, send your Holy Spirit to quicken my spirit. Holy Spirit, remind me of the promises of Jesus. May I find comfort in his words. Holy Spirit, be my strength. Lead me to Jesus - ALWAYS! |
