Coffee with Kathi ~ John, Chapter 14 ~ Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

My NIV translation has sub-titled the beginning of John Chapter 14 “Jesus Comforts His Disciples.” 

Thank you, Jesus. I need it – that comfort.  Don’t you, friend?

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled,” Jesus tells us.  We all know our hearts are often troubled. In John , Chapter 10, Jesus had taught us why our hearts become troubled and who troubles us – the thief, the enemy, the devil. He  kills, steals, and destroys – or at least that it is clearly the enemy’s purpose. It’s all a part of sin and evil in the world. It started in the Garden of Eden and continues today. And looking ahead, as we do, we know that He teaches us the same in John, Chapter 16. He says, “In this world you will have many troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” So in this  passage in Chapter 14, our Lord Jesus instructs us to “Trust in God. Trust in me.” He tells us that He’s going – but that He is coming back for us. 

He begins this chapter with this comfort – and he ends the chapter with it.

You see, He knows. He knows us so well. He knows our hearts are troubled in so many ways. He brings comfort. We fear. But He tells us not to be afraid. 

In the very midst of this chapter, bookended by His knowledge of our troubled hearts and fears, bookended by His assurance of coming back for us, is the great comfort of the Holy Spirit, the very essence of the Father and the Son, who comes to the believer. Jesus tells His disciples – thus telling us – that Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, the Counselor – will come to us and live in us, teaching us by reminding us of everything Jesus has said. Holy Spirit is our comfort.

So every time my heart is troubled, I will trust. I will trust the Father. I will trust the Son.  And Holy Spirit reminds me that Jesus has left His peace with me. He is coming back.  I needn’t be afraid.