““If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” 22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”
23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”” John 14:15-27 NLT
Faithful Father God,
Jesus farewell speech? It reads like one. And for those of us who know what came next we hear it with understanding. But the disciples? Judas asks a question and Jesus does not get distracted, he continues, knowing all will be clear later. How comforting this should have been if they understood it and how empowering it is for those of us hearing it on the resurrection side of the crucifixion.
How many times I have reminded myself I am not isolated and alone – Your Holy Spirit, (You God) are with me. Your truth and powerful peace upholding me. How amazed I am when I think that You, God are Creator, upholding the ever expanding Cosmos, and yet my Saviour risen from the dead. And You choose to be my ever present help and counsellor. I do nothing to deserve such love.
Most translations and versions say, “Peace I leave with You”. I love that this modern translation, taken from the Greek, says, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of heart and mind.” Not to be worked for, earned, searched for, worked at – but received, a gift. This going away speech prepared the disciples even if they did not understand it all till later. It may take me a lifetime to live it. I am so grateful, beyond words, that You show us what we need to know and can have if we come with open hearts and minds.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 9th November 2025
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.
It is enough; earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
and Jesus, call to heav’n’s perfect peace.
Lyrics: Edward Henry Bickersteth