John 14:22-27
God’s Peace
Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts
S – What verse stands out to me today?
O – What is God revealing about Jesus?
A – How should this change my life today?
P – What is my prayer in response?
Scripture
(John 14:22-27, NLT) 22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” 23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Observation
We have heard three different questions from three different people (Thomas, Philip, and Judas). Thomas asks about the way. Philip asks about seeing the Father. Judas asks about Jesus’ plan to reveal himself to them but not the world.
Jesus doesn’t answer Judas’ question directly. It appears to me that the world will know through the signs, the miracles, the testimony of His disciples, and the power of the Holy Spirit, who gives peace of mind and heart. The world can’t give that, but Jesus can.
Those that love Jesus will do what he says. God makes his home with obedient sons and daughters of God.
There is more trinitarian language in these verses. The terms "Advocate" and "Holy Spirit" are used again.
The term “gift” is used to describe the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that we have access to peace of mind and heart. This form of peace is not available to humanity except through the Holy Spirit.
The chapter begins with trouble and ends with trouble. In both cases, the believer is called to trust in God and receive the “gift” of the Holy Spirit for the peace we need.
Application
Miracles are meant to make God’s greatness known. They point people to God. We should be careful when people use God’s gift for their own gain.
The trinitarian language in John helps me better understand God. He is three in one. A mystery that I will probably never fully understand but will spend my life exploring.
The Holy Spirit is the gift. When we get the Holy Spirit, we get all the gifts because they belong to Him.
Peace comes to my life when I pursue more of God through the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Dear Holy Spirit, you are my Advocate and Best Friend. Thank you for helping me know who I really am in Christ. My identity and position in Christ are secure. You will never leave me or abandon me. Thank you so much for loving me, even before I could love You back. Today, I receive You as the gift that You are. May my life be marked by peace, love, and power. I desire all of the gifts that You offer. Use me for Your glory that the world may know the Father. In Jesus' name, amen! gives
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