I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. – John 16:33
It would be difficult to say that Jesus had peace as He hung on the cross. And yet… until His last words, the Father was close to Him. Think of His words in Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Our Lord was thinking of the well-being of those around Him.
Again, in the next verses, the Lord’s conversation with the thief on the cross ended with, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (v. 43). Don’t you think the forgiven thief experienced a sense of peace as he hung beside Jesus? Lastly, Jesus gave instruction to His disciple John to take care of His earthly mother (John 19:26-27).
Whether or not the Son of Man was aware of the torment He would experience in His final hours because of the sins of humankind, He knew it was His mission from the beginning. He also knew that His death and resurrection would be the victory for all who believed in Him… a victory that allows peace in the midst of storms, difficulties, and persecution. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5).
Believer, your peace is that which comes from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray now for this nation that is in turmoil, that its people may see your faith and peace and want that same thing. It is God’s desire that none perish but that all be victorious in Him.
Today’s Verse: John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Luke 23:29-46, 24:1-6
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
