Trust Me - Week 5: My Peace I Leave With You

It’s Still Easter!  He is risen! We are still in the Season of Easter in the historic Church calendar, so let's keep celebrating.  

The Season of Easter offers us a chance to experience the implications of the Resurrection and to trust Jesus as we follow him.  

Today, we will read what is known as Jesus’ Final Discourse with his disciples, and the promise he made to them about giving them peace. 

What is the most peaceful memory that you can think of?

I want you to close your eyes and think about it.  If several pop into your mind, pick one and remember it.  Put yourself there, and try to remember what it was like.  

The one that comes to mind happened nearly thirty years ago in Oxford, England. I was studying there for a semester during the summer, and I got up early one morning to go for a walk in Christ Church Meadow.

The sun was coming up, the air was cool, and all I could hear were the birds, and the light was perfect.  It was like a slow-motion scene from a movie.  In that moment, I didn't have to wonder what Heaven would be like for me.    

Most of the time, we can recall the not-so-peaceful moments with ease.  It's harder to conjure up the peaceful moments in our memory.  

What made your most peaceful moment peaceful? Was it the setting or the people you were with that made it amazing?  

When you remember it, how does that make you feel?  Do you wish that you could go back to that moment?  

There's something about those kinds of memories that is not unlike putting a puzzle together. You remember bits and pieces at first, images, smells, sounds, and the way you felt, and before long, you are able to put it all back together again in your mind.  

We re-member it, in other words.  

Today, we will learn that the Spirit that Jesus promised his followers is what helps us re-member Jesus.  The Spirit at work in a community of faith can quite literally become the body of Christ when we surrender and seek His peace.  

WE CAN TRUST JESUS’ PROMISES TO LEAD US TO PEACE 

John 14:23-29

22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; the word you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.

Everything Jesus shares is grounded in love.  

25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate,[a] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. 

The “Advocate” that will help them re-member (put together)

Paraclete is the Greek word, which has to do with an advocate (attorney)

This is in contrast with the “Satan” or “Accuser”  

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 

The re-membering will bring peace and dispel fear.  

28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe.

The Spirit serves as the presence of Christ among us, as we re-member or put together Christ to the world as the Church.  

What Do We Take Away From This?

When you lack peace, dig down; fear is just below the surface. 

Practical ways to re-member Jesus’ love and promise of peace.  

    Be in community with others who help remind you that you are not alone. 

    Find ways to show love and to be in service to the world. 

    Daily practices that help you "die to yourself" and open your heart.       

Re-membering helps remind us of who we really are.  

    The presence of Christ can be tangible when we re-member

Peace comes through surrendering to become the best version of ourselves. 

    Nothing worthwhile is ever gained through ego. 

    Whatever relief you get when you demand control is momentary. 

WE CAN TRUST JESUS’ PROMISES TO LEAD US TO PEACE