Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled – John 14
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” — John 14:1
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” — John 14:27
Many people have been comforted by these verses at a funeral, but their comfort extends beyond the graveside. As Jesus prepared to leave His disciples, be betrayed, die, and even be denied by Peter (see John 13), He told them to not let their heart be troubled.
This was a command and a choice on their part. Because of who Jesus is and what they knew about Him, they did not have to be troubled. They could trust in Him, and that would calm their anxieties. But, they could also allow their hearts to be filled with fears, worries, and stresses.
Those of us who believe in Jesus have that choice as well. Genuine faith in Jesus will drive away the trouble. If we trust in Him, we will find peace. If we don’t, we will be troubled and afraid.
Here are some reasons Jesus gives for why we should not be troubled:
- Who He is (v.1). He says if you believe in God, believe in me. Ultimately peace comes from trusting Jesus.
- The place He is preparing for us (v.2-3). Because He is getting a place ready for us, we have the assurance that, no matter what happens, we will be with Him.
- His return (v.3). He would not prepare a place for us if He was not going to return for us. We can rest in the fact that one day He is coming back for us. Let us wait in hope and patience.
- His incarnation (v.4-11). We can rest in Jesus and His promises because we know that He came into the world, spoke powerful words and did amazing works. Because He has already proven Himself in countless ways to us, we can trust Him in present trouble.
- His promises (v.12-15). Jesus promised that those who believe on Him will do greater works. He also promised that whatever we asked in His name, He would do. With promises like these, how can we be troubled!
- The Holy Spirit (v.16-26). Another huge reason, we should not be troubled is the presents of God the Holy Spirit with us at all times, comforting us, helping us, teaching us, and, all the time affirming who Jesus is and who are in Jesus.
- His death, resurrection, and ascension (v.27-31). Jesus leaving should have been a source of rejoicing rather than mourning to the disciples because it meant Jesus was going to be victorious over Satan and glorified through His work on the cross.
With such great truths, all worry and anxiety are foolish and unnecessary. There is no need to be troubled. Everything is going to be okay for the child of God. Jesus has conquered all. Jesus is with us through the Holy Spirit. Let us calm down and just trust Him!