Our passage today is often heard at funerals, providing words of comfort and peace to grieving hearts and minds. Words that share the hope and promise found in the eternal life of Jesus Christ.
Jesus spoke these words to the disciples after sharing the news of his forthcoming death and Peter’s denial. These were difficult truths to hear. Jesus knew that his followers were living in fear, for their future was unknown. In this well-known text, Jesus calms their troubled hearts and minds, sharing with them that they will never be alone in their struggles, for the Holy Spirit will give them the strength they need.
Jesus calls on humanity to trust in something greater than ourselves, to have faith and trust in God, knowing that God will lead the way, bringing peace to our troubled hearts.
Gracious God, when our hearts are troubled, help us to believe and trust in you. Give us faith to proclaim your promise to a world needing your love and care. Please help us know that there is a place of rest for us in your loving arms. Amen. —