The other night I had to turn off the TV news, it was just too distressing. I thought I would continue our Church JOURNEY WITH JESUS and read some of John’s Gospel.

I stopped reading when I got to these words from Jesus

“Do not let your hearts be troubled” (14:1).

I find those words nothing short of incredible. Even though Jesus knows that he—and not the disciples—will soon face the horror of the cross, he is the one comforting his disciples!

Jesus is not absorbed about himself but seems to be focused on his disciples’ spiritual and emotional well-being, comforting them in their distress.

We can see this again later in the passage when adds,

“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” (14:27).

Those words of Jesus and the concern they expressed spoke to my soul. In the face of all that we are confronted with at right now, war, violence, genocide, rising prices, a lingering pandemic and whatever is happening in our own lives, Jesus offers us hope and peace.

Jesus offers me, and you, peace and hope in exchange for our fear and anxiety

How does this happen?

I wonder if the secret is in chapter 15 when Jesus commands, not suggests, that we  “Remain in my love!”

Remaining in him, that involves at least spending time in the Word of God and in prayer. Meeting Him in worship on our own and as part of His Body must be part of how we do it too.

What a great opportunity Holy Week presents us to do just that and so experience Jesus concern and comfort.

Holy Week, if we take the opportunity can be the answer to our anxiety

So this week I would encourage you, to pray, read our daily devotionals, meditate on the nails we gave out on Sunday, listen to hymns and worship songs that focus on the cross, join us for communion on Good Friday and be among God’s people on Easter Sunday