March 22, 2025
In chapters 13-16 of John, the Gospel writer focuses on the farewell discourse Jesus presents to his disciples towards the end of his life. The section begins with Jesus washing the feet of The Twelve, followed by him speaking important words regarding the new commandment of love, his upcoming earthly departure, the promise of The Comforter or Spirit of Truth to come to each believer, and warnings about how the world will react to his followers.
For the disciples, their lives probably were starting to feel totally turned upside down. This was not the plan they were expecting for Jesus. They had seen and would continue to see officials and others who publicly reacted against Christian beliefs as foolish or even dangerous. If those opposed to the teachings of Jesus were listening, they were not hearing. Huge was the divide between groups of people with such contrary ways of thinking.
We can relate today to divisions caused not only by varying religious beliefs, but by disagreements regarding science, just practices, freedoms, the best ways to educate children and keep people safe, and more. Even in the midst of an increasingly polarized society, God wants us to maintain a sense of peace and joy rooted in our firm foundation. Although spoken in different contexts, the words of Jesus can encourage us.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:10-11
“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete”. John 16:20-24
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” John 17:13
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