John: Finding Peace

John 14:15-31

Jesus told his disciples that he was going away, but he would not leave them on their own. Jesus said:

John 14:15-17
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Interestingly, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as "Helper.” In the Old Testament, the word translated as “helper” is often used to describe God himself (e.g., Ps 118:7). In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, one of the words used for translating “helper” is the Greek term for physician. A physician provides the right prescription for comfort and healing. Doctors can and will fail us, but the Holy Spirit is the perfect physician who always comes to our aid with exactly what’s needed. He is the “Spirit of truth” who dwells in us…forever (John 14:16-17). 

During Jesus’ brief years of ministry with the disciples, he was physically their helper. Now, he promises “another Helper” to stay with them forever. Jesus would not leave them as orphans. He said, “I will come to you” (John 14:18). The natural question is, “Jesus, when will this happen?” 

Some commentators interpret verse 18 as referring to Jesus’ second coming, while others believe it relates to his numerous post-resurrection appearances. Many contend that Jesus is pointing to his return to the disciples through the Holy Spirit. Although all of these interpretations could be accurate, we know that context offers the best clues for understanding a specific passage. Therefore, based on John 14:19-20, it seems that Jesus is speaking about being with the disciples again after his resurrection. He states: 

John 14:19-20
Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

The disciples couldn’t fully comprehend everything Jesus was saying until after the resurrection. As he spoke, they tried to figure out what he was telling them. Then Jesus reaffirmed his love and assured them that he would continue to make himself real to them (John 14:21). One of the disciples, named Judas (not the Judas who betrayed Jesus), asked Jesus what was on everyone’s minds. “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” This was a valid question. Jesus responded to Judas in this way:

John 14:23
If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. 

Jesus has already said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Still, this truth is worth repeating. Obedience demonstrates our love for Christ. 

The apostle Paul says, “For the love of Christ controls us” (2 Cor. 5:14). The NIV says, “compels us.” Another version says, “urges us on.” Christ’s love for us and our love for him “compels” and “urges us on” to obedience. We can’t achieve perfect obedience, but we should always have the desire to please the One who died for us. 

The one who “controls us” and “compels us” is the Holy Spirit. Jesus explains, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). 

And here’s the best part: in Jesus, there is lasting peace. Not a false peace like what we see in the world, but a genuine peace from God. With God’s peace, we never have to be anxious or afraid. 

Jesus told his disciples once again that he was going away. The “ruler of this world [was] coming,” however, Jesus made it clear that Satan had “no claim” on him (John 14:30). His work on the cross would be the work of the Father (John 14:31). 

I believe it's crucial for us to understand the peace Jesus offers. Let’s examine a few more important passages.

Peace is mentioned over four hundred times in the Bible. It means “an inner repose and quietness,” “a sense of well-being,” “tranquility, harmony, and security.” 

The primary Old Testament word for peace is the Hebrew term shalom. It refers to being complete and whole; all of life is working in harmony together. In the New Testament, the common word for peace is eirene. It means to experience calmness, rest, quietness, and stillness. 

True and lasting peace is found in one person—Jesus Christ. He is called the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). The prophet Isaiah explains why Jesus is rightly given this title:

Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 

The apostle Paul says that “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and in him, we have an eternal position of peace. The believer will always experience the peace of God because we have peace with God. 

When we trust in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. He is the One who produces peace in our lives (Gal. 5:22-23). 

There is also a process of peace for the believer. Following this process allows peace to abide in our hearts. 

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

When anxiety overwhelms, and it will, this verse is our reminder to ask God to take over. His peace moves beyond life’s circumstances and surpasses all human understanding. What a beautiful promise!

I encourage you to watch a podcast we recently released featuring Amy Shannon. Amy was a lively young girl who loved the outdoors. One day, her life abruptly changed because of a swimming accident. She woke up five days later in the ICU, unable to move her arms and legs. Later, Amy trusted in Jesus, and her life was forever transformed. 

In our conversation, I asked her, “What does Jesus mean to you?” She began talking about her position in Jesus. She said that, in Christ, she was significant, secure, accepted, forgiven, and empowered. She focused on how the Holy Spirit gave her peace and empowered her despite her physical limitations. Again, I encourage you to watch the podcast. Amy’s story is a reminder that peace truly surpasses all understanding. Here’s the link to Episode 87 of the Living Grounded Podcast: https://youtu.be/uXUfms5Bqfk?si=Z8LtQtaa8wmrtlDF

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on John 14:15-31. Focus on the promise of peace that only Jesus can give.

Talking to God:  In what areas of your life are you trying to find peace apart from Jesus, and how might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to surrender and receive his lasting peace?

Have Questions?
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