This has been a tumultuous fifteen minutes or so for the disciples. Imagine hearing that your best friend is going away – you’ve heard it before, but this time it is said with such conviction that you have to believe it.
In response, Jesus has given them some of the most beautiful and profound encouragement – which keeps on coming in the next three chapters, by the way. But for all that, your overwhelming emotion at this point is anxiety. What will happen after Jesus is gone? How will we manage? What do we need?
As Jesus wraps us this section, he reminds them of the basic truths he has imparted over the conversation to this point: first, he is going, yes, but he is also coming back (v28). Second, the devil is going to have his time, but he has no authority over Jesus – Jesus will triumph (v30). Third, as a result, the world will see Jesus’ obedience (v31). He doesn’t specify directly in this passage what that will mean, but he has done so numerous times already. (Thankfully, we also know the end of this story!)
Ultimately, though, there is one emotion he wants his disciples to know, to experience – the one they most need at present: (v27) ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’
Do not let your hearts be troubled – it was how Jesus began this chapter; it’s also how he ends it. But to experience this peace, he is very clear that it is not something we can manufacture. It is a gift of grace: ‘I do not give as the world gives.’ Later in his letter to Philippi, St Paul describes this as the peace ‘that transcends understanding.’
Over the years, millions of Christians have known this to be true. By God’s grace, even in the midst of trial, we experience a peace that by rights we shouldn’t have. But we do. It is a wonderful gift.
If you are in a season of trial at the moment, take heart. Pray with faith for this peace – it is not of this world. But it is real, and it is available, through the Holy of Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus. May the Lord grant us all the peace that transcends understanding today, and may it guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.