Freedom is Good News Part 79

The final instructions given to the disciples before Jesus was arrested, tried, tortured and crucified are found in John 13 – 17.  Let’s not forget how we started looking into these chapters.  We began, several articles ago, by considering what to do when trouble strikes. The answer I put forth came from Jesus mouth  “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.”  (John 16:53) 

When we find that trouble has struck, the salve we should apply is the peace found in our Savior.  Paul tells us, “the peace that comes from God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)

 “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.”  Let’s take a look at some more of “these things”. 

At the start of chapter 14, Jesus tells the disciples they should not let their hearts be troubled.  I suppose if we consider ourselves to be His disciples, we should take this to heart.  But it’s hard to do sometimes when all we find around us are troubles, dilemmas and heartaches.  Jesus then tells us that He is going to His Father’s house so as to prepare a place for us and then says that He will come back for us “that you may abide where I am”.  This is a sign of the betrothal.  In ancient Israel, after a marriage had been arranged by the fathers, the groom would not see his prospective bride again until he had built for them a home.  When this house met the father’s expectations, the wedding date would be set, the wedding take place and the groom would take his new bride to this abode he had built.

“Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!  For the wedding of the Lamb had come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Rev. 19:6-8)

In John 14:4, at the end of this segment, Jesus says, “You are aware of where I am going and you are aware of the way.”  A somewhat cryptic statement; to which Thomas (you know – doubting Thomas; or as some call him, “honest Thomas”) replies, “Lord, we are not aware of where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 

Are you a disciple of Jesus?  Are you one who calls Him Lord and Master?  Is He your teacher?  Only you can truthfully answer these questions and only you may understand the answer to Thomas; do you know the way?

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me’”.  Jesus gave the answer and Jesus is the answer.  More on this next time.