Picture the disciples—troubled, knowing the Lord was going away—and really having an uncertain future. Thomas said, “We don’t know the way.”
Of course, the claim of the Lord is so impactful—“I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6).
In John 14, Jesus comforted his disciples in three ways that comfort us today as well.
- He said, “Let not your heart be troubled… I go to prepare a place for you” (vs. 1-2). There is a place for you! Easter fills us with hope because there is a place for us. Goodness and mercy are our escorts and will push us into the Father’s house someday soon. There is no better place than the Father’s house.
- Jesus also said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). The peace of God in our lives is related to the presence of God in our lives. This reminds us of the high priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” God’s blessing ultimately leads to Shalom. For troubled hearts, and because he lives, we can know Shalom and all the peace his presence brings.
- In verse 19, the Lord said, “Because I live, you will live also.” Let not our hearts be troubled! We rest our hearts in the power of his resurrected life. His resurrection is documented in history. Death is not the end of things, just a passing over. It is true today that we have life in Christ, but also for all of our days. When we step over the threshold into heaven we will know that. He is the one who gives life like no other.
Together we can rejoice in the resurrection, and together we can sing, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow… Because He lives, all fear is gone… Because I know He holds the future… and life is worth the living just because He lives.”
Dr. William J. Moore
Interim President
Emmaus Bible College
*Because He Lives © 1971 William J. Gaither, Inc