Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
John 14:1 (NHEB)
Jesus is speaking to Peter when a new chapter heading abruptly steps in and interrupts the flow and context of Jesus’ words.
We read in John 14:1: “Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.” These words are encouraging whether they are read in context or out of context. Let’s take a quick look at their context.
Dinner is ending.
Jesus, troubled in spirit, confides that one of the apostles will betray him.
Judas slips out into the darkness of night.
Jesus talks about being glorified, about going away, and about loving one another.
Peter, full of self-confidence, declares, “I will lay down my life for you.”
At this point, Peter finds out that soon he will deny his Lord three times, even before the rooster crows. This news is both troubling and true.
Jesus does not leave Peter alone with this troubling truth. On the other side of the chapter break, Jesus offers grace: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” He already knows that Peter will not love him well. Soon, Jesus’ kind but searching glance will find Peter’s eyes, and Peter will remember the prophetic words. Hopefully, Peter will also remember to believe and to therefore not be troubled. Hopefully, Peter will remember that, in addition to being full of truth, his Lord is also full of grace.
Please share a comment! Ed.
In John 13:21 Jesus has just told us he was troubled and I’m sure he was. He knows we will be troubled but in John 14:1,27 twice He wants us to choose not to be. “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.” Peter learned this lesson 1Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
I know I let Jesus down time after time. Thank you Corinna for reminding me that even Peter did so, yet was forgiven and loved. A very moving thought.
Beautiful thought. Thanks so much for making that connection.
Such a wonderful verse. Even when we let Jesus down, he comforts us. Thanks, Corina, for this remind to trust God and his son, even when we falter.
Thank you, Corina! I find this verse very comforting, especially in light of the context that you described.