T—Trust, Don't be Troubled

Journey through the Gospel of John with rookie bloggers who are seeking to honor their friend, Tina Downey.

Jesus had been acting strangely. First, he'd interrupted their dinner with a dramatic foot-washing. Then, he was troubled and spoke of a traitor being in their midst, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." Next, He spoke of going away to a place where they could not find Him. Oddest of all, He told Peter that he would deny Him three times that very night.

What was going on? The disciples must have been alarmed by the warnings and pronouncement of their leader. Is it any wonder that Chapter 14 of this gospel opens with Jesus trying to comfort His followers?

Do not let your hearts be troubled. 
Trust in God; trust also in me.  

The disciples would have plenty to be anxious about in the days that followed. Surely, the Lord's prescription for setting aside concerns can be helpful to us today, as we struggle with the uncertainties and hardships of this fallen world.

Jesus' lesson in trusting in God can be boiled down to another great I AM declaration.

I AM the Way...

This chapter dwells on the resources available to believers as a

result of Jesus' ministry on the cross. He mentions first that He is preparing a heavenly home for us (14:1-6). Then He stresses the presence and power of the triune God (14:7-24): the Father whom we can now know, the Son who empowers our prayers, and the Spirit who leads us into all truth. Lastly, Jesus mentions that He gives us His own peace (14:25-31). Surely our anxiety must dissipate when we measure our worries against our prospects, our Partners, and our peace in Christ! We can rest in the Lord because Jesus' work on the cross has opened up heavenly resources to us.


                ... the Truth, and the Life...

Throughout this gospel Jesus as the Truth is a recurring theme.
The words "true" and "truth" occur dozens of times. Here are some highlights:

It is the essence of who God is
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory...full of grace and truth. —John 1:14   

It is equated with Jesus
John the Baptist has testified to the truth.—John 5:33

It is the source of our liberty.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." —John 8:31-32

And it is by knowing the only true God that we have eternal life.
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ... —John 17:3   


    ...no one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus makes it clear that we must put our trust in the right place if we want to receive the promise, presence, and peace of God. 


Are you trusting in Jesus? There is no place more restful nor so rich!