John 14:27-31
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 14:27-31 remembering that Jesus is just hours from being arrested and is preparing his closest followers.
Jesus holds out a gift to the disciples – peace of mind and heart - but the gift must be accepted and opened to be experienced.
In what seems like a paradox, the writer of Hebrews instructs us to “make every effort” to enter God’s rest (Hebrews 4:1-11). Peace and rest are only found in Jesus, and the peace of Jesus is only experienced when we purposefully turn our fears and troubles over to him as often as necessary.
Pause to acknowledge any circumstances that are causing you to be afraid or troubled today. Imagine Jesus holding out peace of mind and heart to you now. As the scene unfolds in your imagination, notice what you do in response. Notice your posture before Jesus. Notice any eagerness or hesitancy to accept his gift.
Talk with Jesus about this.
Read John 14:27-31 again and see if anything different stands out to you.
Jesus doesn’t just instruct the disciples to put aside their fears and troubles, he gives them the key that unlocks the way to his peace. “Remember what I told you…” Just as in advance he gave the disciples what they needed in order to believe, he prepares us for what’s ahead as we purposefully make time to enter his rest and listen to him every day.
Jesus is greater than the “ruler of this world,” and though he is not present with us in the flesh just now, his Spirit is as close as our breath. When we hear Jesus through the Holy Spirit and act on what he requires of us, we grow in our love for him and knowledge of him.
Take the two phrases from today’s passage (below) and use them for the last moments of this meditation:
“Remember what I told you…”
What has Jesus been saying to you through your time with him over the past few days or weeks? Stay with this question for a while.
“Come, let’s be going”
How are you putting Jesus’ instructions to you into action? How will you act on Jesus’ instructions today?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
