He says it more than once. Because we really need to hear it.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going (John 14:1-4).
Terrifying times were soon to break out. They were going to kill Jesus. And if they were going to kill the leader, what more would they do to Jesus’ followers?
Jesus says to not be troubled. He is going to prepare a place for them. He will come back and get them.
This is both comforting and confronting.
It is comforting that he he going away to prepare a place for them. But it is also troubling. He is going away.
Little do they know that the place he is going is into heaven with his Father. And the place he is preparing for them is also in heaven.
They don’t know it know, but maybe he is telling them that they are going to be killed for their faith. But not to worry, he is going before them and will prepare a place for them.
Then he says it again.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 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 14:25-27).
He says now that he will leave them the Holy Spirit who will teach them. But also he will leave his peace. Then he instructs them that the Holy Spirit would teach them and bring to mind all that he said to them. And of peace he said it wasn’t like that of the world.
What is the peace that the world wants to bring? It is the peace that comes from happiness, health and financial security.
Think of it. What are your biggest stress points? It is typically relationships, your health, and your ability to make it.
We think we will have peace when we have those all in a good place. It’s what we pray for. Literally.
But the peace that Jesus talks about is different. He gives the peace that there is certainty of eternal life. He gives the peace knowing that we are reconciled to the Father. He gives the peace that says we will be with Him in heaven for all eternity.
This is a very different peace. It truly is not of this world.
He will expand on this further:
31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. 32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “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 16:31-33).
Peace is something that is in him. Peace is not something we will have in the world. In fact, jesus promises the opposite.
“you will have trouble” (v. 33)
But Jesus says to take heart. Do not be troubled. He has overcome the world.
No matter what, we will be with him for all eternity. That is where we have peace. And joy. And hope. Not in this world,
Not in our relationships.
Not in our health.
Not in financial security.
Our peace is in Him and in Him alone.
So take heart! Do not be discouraged!
We will be with Him soon enough.