by Dan Davis – Director of Maintenance / Valpo FUMC
These verses run really deep. There is no grey area here. However, one could easily misunderstand what is meant by these verses. Let’s break them down a bit in order to fully appreciate how deep and significant they truly are.
Verses 23-24 – Jesus is answering Judas. Not Judas of the twelve disciples. Verse 22 tells us that, but perhaps it’s James’ brother. The Scripture doesn’t give us that exact information. Only that He is answering Judas. His answer is remarkable in that we believe that God’s love is unconditional. It is, once He dwells within you. We need to be VERY clear here in that the divine indwelling is conditional on love, and obedience to Jesus’ words. All throughout the Bible, Old Testament and New Testament, those who keep God’s commandments and have faith are blessed of God. Those who do not have faith and do not keep God’s commandments are cursed. There is no in between.
Verse 25 – “These words I have spoken unto you, being yet present with you.” The most important Scriptures in the Bible are the ones that are printed in red. They are the Lord’s spoken Words when He was on the earth. We know that the entire Bible is inspired of God. However, these words in red are the very Word of God.
Verse 26 – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” This is mind numbingly awesome !!! Think about this. You cannot understand something, until you have heard it, seen it, or read it. Jesus tells us that once you have done that (with His words), you will always have it.
It’s a shame that the Wednesday lesson stops at verse 26. Verse 27 is, in my opinion, one of the greatest verses in the bible. It reads, “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.” To me, this verse (along with the 4 previous in our daily lesson) means that the greatest reality of His peace is within the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the King of Peace. He is the source of all peace. If we have Jesus as Savior and Lord, we have nothing that should trouble us, not even threat of death. If we die to this world, we shall live to Him. We know where our destination is. We have hope of eternal life. This world is not our home, we are just passing through. This peace tells us not to worry about anything. The world cannot give us security. Jesus is our security. This is what it means to me. Please share with us what it means to you.
–Dan Davis
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