Daily Reflections ...

Jesus here is preparing his disciples for his imminent trial and crucifixion. His promise of peace and the reassurance of his continued presence with them are repeated several times in the following chapters.

Jesus warns his disciples that Satan is about to make his last and most violent attack on him – “the prince of this world comes” – but that Jesus will ultimately triumph over the powers of evil in the world – “He has no power over me” –  because he has kept the Father’s commandment and finished the work he was given to do.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, peace is one of the distinguishing marks of the time of the Messiah—a time when swords would be made into ploughshares (Isaiah 2:4) and the wolf would live with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6). Jesus’ gift of peace confirms that he is the longed-for Messiah.

Jesus knew that he would return to his Father in glory.  The cross brought glory to Jesus and in the cross of Christ we find true peace and reconciliation with God.  The peace of Christ is present despite our fears and anxieties and greater than them, so it is possible for us to “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”.

Lord, may your peace be always with me and may I always remain in that peace by believing your word and doing your will.

by Elizabeth Harrington