Words of Comfort

John 14:1-4

Jesus has revealed many difficult facts to His disciples. He has told them several times He is going away (7:34; 8:21; 12:8, 35; 13:33). He has also revealed to them that He would die (12:32-33). Now at the celebration of the Passover He has explained that one of them was a traitor and would betray Him (13:21) and that another would deny any relationship with Him (13:38). Another disciple, Matthew (26:31) also shares with us that Jesus told them that they would all “fall away”. Now in these last hours of His earthly life He shares words of comfort.

His message to them now becomes positive “Let not your heart be troubled”. Our heart is the center of our personality and we are responsible for its condition. Proverbs speaks much about our heart so let’s review some of its counsel:

3:1 “do not forget my teachings, but let your heart keep my commandments”
3:3 “do not let kindness and truth leave you;…write them on the tablet of your heart”
3:5 “trust in the Lord with all your heart”
4:23 “watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life”

I’m also reminded of a favorite verse in Philippians (4:7) which assures Christians that the “peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.

He then shares with these men several facts about the future. He is going to prepare a place for them (and us). He will return and take us to that place so that we may eternally dwell with Him. The assurance of that hope is an outstanding promise to which we can look forward. We can endure and live victoriously in this sin sick world because we know it is not our home.

When difficult times and situations come into your life meditate on your relationship with your Savior and be careful to not let your heart be troubled. Thank God for His love for you.