Daily Devotions
John
The things that trouble the heart
Text: John 14 : 1 - 11
THE THINGS THAT TROUBLE THE HEART
Jesus knew His Disciple well, as we might expect of the Good Shepherd. His Disciples had heard Jesus speak on the subject of His death on numerous occasions, and each time, their hearts were troubled. They never quite managed to resolve the troubles that affected them deeply. What were some of the things that could have troubled them, so that Jesus had to say to them?
“Let not your heart be troubled;
You believe in God, believe also in Me.”
John 14:1
1. The question of Leadership
This was one question that troubled them. The Disciples were obviously affected by the issue of leadership. Different people had vied for that special position of leadership. The mother of James and John had asked if her sons could sit on the right and left hand of Jesus (Matthew 20:20-28). This brought a great sense of indignation among the Disciples towards James and John (Mark 10:41). The thought of Jesus’ death troubled the Disciples, for they knew that Jesus was the One who held them together. Without Him, would the Band of Disciples survive?
2. The question of Teaching
Jesus had been the most wonderful Teacher they had ever known. The Disciples knew that no one else could teach as Jesus did! If He were to die, who would teach them the deep things of God? They had only been with Jesus for three years. Yes, He had taught them much, but the lessons were often hard to understand and even harder to apply. Who would have the knowledge, the skill, the patience and the love to teach God’s Word to them as Jesus did?
3. The question of Ministry
Jesus had always assigned them their work. Who would send them forth as apostles? Would they still have His power and authority? How would they go about serving the Lord? The thought of Jesus’ death must have brought great sorrow to the hearts of the Disciples indeed.
4. The question of a deep personal love for Jesus
The Disciples had grown deeply attached to their Master. That was to be expected! How could anyone not love Jesus if he had lived in His shadow for three years? Death was such a frightening thought. How could they bear to part with their beloved Master? He was still so young. He had so much to offer! He had so much going for Him. How could Jesus speak of death so calmly? The emotional turmoil in the hearts of the Disciples may not have been clearly voiced out, but they were dealing with Jesus who knew all about His Disciples!
FACING DEATH WITH ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN GOD
Jesus spoke of death as a reality. However, He never spoke of death as finality! What was death? Yes, it was a cessation of life on earth as we know it, but it is the commencement of life in heaven!
Few have ever faced death with any great sense of calmness of soul. King Hezekiah had a difficult time accepting that his illness would lead to death. He was told to “set his house in order” in preparation for death (Isaiah 38:1). We read about Hezekiah’s reaction in this passage of Scripture.
“…And Hezekiah wept bitterly.”
Isaiah 38:3
The prayer of Hezekiah was preserved in Isaiah’s prophecy. His reaction may be described as “typical”.
“I said,
‘In the prime of my life I shall go to the gates of Sheol;
I am deprived of the remainder of my years.’
I said,
‘I shall not see YAH,
The Lord in the land of the living;…
My life span is gone…'”
Isaiah 38:10-12
What a wonderful contrast Jesus offered. Death was not something to be feared. Death was only the doorway to His Father’s House. Heaven was so real a concept to Jesus; He never feared death.
In the great Messianic Psalm, we have a glimpse of what was in the mind of Jesus as He looked at death.
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:9-11
The Disciples had not mastered this lesson yet. They had not yet overcome all their fears of death. They had not fully comprehended what Jesus said and what He did when He raised Lazarus from the dead. He was the Resurrection and the Life! Death had no power over Him.
Jesus sought to turn the mind of His Disciples to dwell on God even as they sought to grapple with the subject of death. Think about God… rather than death!
“In My Father’s house are many mansions…”
John 14:2