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John 14:23-29 (Common English Bible)
23 Jesus answered, “Whoever loves me will keep my word. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word that you hear isn’t mine. It is the word of the Father who sent me.
25 “I have spoken these things to you while I am with you. 26 The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 You have heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away and returning to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than me. 29 I have told you before it happens so that when it happens you will believe.
Summary:
We are in the season of Eastertide with the worship theme “Living the Resurrection.” Throughout this season, we will explore what it means to live as people of hope and promise through the resurrection of Jesus.
After his resurrection and before he returns to heaven, Jesus tells the disciples to love him, that the Holy Spirit will encourage them and that in the midst of their anxiety, worry and dread for his departure, he leaves them “peace.” As Christ leaves “peace” behind, what are we preparing to leave for those who follow us? So long as we follow the teachings of the Holy Spirit, we need not worry about what we are losing and we can trust that those who follow us will have what they need to carry on.
Reflection Questions:
- What worries keep you from having peace right now?
- What change do you pray will bring you peace?
- Who is God calling you to be to offer peace to others?