Monday 15 April, 2019

25 “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” 29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” 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.”

In this chapter Jesus is preparing his disciples for his coming departure, how they will react & then be treated. He is also telling them something radical, they no longer need to go to a priest for prayer requests but can pray & ask the Father directly in Jesus name because they believe in Jesus (v26-27). This is still a radical concept for many, that we actually have direct access to God through Jesus Christ.

Verse 33 speaks the loudest to me, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace”. Peace not turmoil, peace not fear, peace in the midst of grief. Praying to our Heavenly Father in Jesus name giving him my burdens & anxieties, joys & dreams gives me peace knowing that He has this, He has me.

Thank you Heavenly Father that you care so deeply for me that Jesus came & died for me, my sin forgiven, access directly to you restored & your peace comforting me. Thank you for your great grace toward me. Amen

Written by Suzie Hodgson