How can the disciples listen to Jesus when he tells them not to be troubled in their hearts? Because his command is backed up by evidence. Not only has Jesus displayed constant peace in all situations, he is about to display a peace that surpasses understanding as he endures the cross. Jesus has performed signs and miracles to prove that he is God in the flesh, therefore, everything he says can be trusted.
Although Jesus promises that his disciples will be surrounded by trouble in this world, he can confidently tell them not to let their hearts be troubled, because they can believe in him. It may feel cliche, or trite, or insignificant for us to hear that the way to peace is to just believe in Jesus, but it can’t be any of those things if Jesus is the one who said it first. What Jesus says holds more weight than any other words we may hear, because Jesus is the Truth.
If we are tempted to roll our eyes at the command to “believe in Jesus” then we need to look at what we really believe in. Maybe we believe in a Jesus that teaches us the difference between right and wrong and expects us to always get it right. Maybe we believe in a Jesus who is distant, apathetic, and uninvolved. Maybe we believe in a Jesus who was just a good example for us to follow. If we don’t know the real Jesus, then our belief is based on a lie and we will crumble. But if we believe in the real Jesus—one who is compassionate, empathetic, loving, kind, gentle, patient, affectionate, humble, merciful and gracious, then our belief in this Jesus will give us the peace we need in times of trouble.
Reflection/Discussion Question: What kind of Jesus are you believing in?
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