FINAL ASSURANCES

JOHN 14:25–27

“… 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 …”

(John 14:26–27).

Jesus comforted His disciples with two assurances: one, that they would be under the guidance of the Spirit; and two, that they would have peace. No doubt the disciples were distressed by Jesus’ imminent departure. They had been by His side for three years, learning from Him, depending on Him for everything, even for the food they ate. What would they do once He was gone? Surely they would be lost with no one to guide them.

Jesus had already told them that a Comforter would come, but this time He elaborates on what the Spirit would do for them. He knew the doubts and questions that were troubling the hearts of the disciples, and Jesus wanted to put their minds at ease. He did this by assuring them that the Holy Spirit would be their teacher. He would reveal to them everything they needed to know in order to carry out their mission. He would enable them to teach others and to understand mysteries as no one ever had before. And in case they forgot the many lessons Christ had taught, which no doubt they would, the Spirit would bring it to remembrance so they could record it as the revealed Word of God.

While the Spirit revealed truth in a particular manner to the apostles, He brings the teaching of Christ to the remembrance of all His people. Has there ever been a situation in which a verse came to your mind, one that was so appropriate that you could not but help attribute it to the prompting of the Spirit? In this manner, the Spirit teaches all of us, fixing our minds on the things of Christ and enabling us to understand even the most profound truths.

Secondly, Christ comforted the disciples with promises of peace. As a dying father leaves an inheritance for his children, so Christ left peace to us. Not just peace among one another, but peace with God, reconciliation that was purchased by Christ. We can only have true peace in Him, for He alone is our Mediator. Thus, the peace that Christ gives is of more value than any the world can give. It is lasting and completely satisfying. If you want peace in your heart, the only place you can find it is in Christ. “Let not your heart be troubled” are the words of Jesus Christ, and only He can give “peace which passes all understanding.”

CORAM DEO

Psalm 136–138

1 Corinthians 9

Is there anything about which you are particularly anxious right now? If so, today take it to Christ in prayer. Maybe it is just a general feeling of uneasiness, maybe you have never been reconciled to God. Today go to Christ. Ask Him to give you His Spirit, to bring peace to your troubled heart, to still your disquieted soul.

For further study: Rom. 5:1–5 • Eph. 2:14–18; 3:14–21 • Phil. 4:2–7 • Col. 3:15

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