Live to Love Scripture Encouragement John 16.30-33a

John 16:30-33a “Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God. Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.’” The disciples took confidence in the fact that they understood Jesus and believed in Him. They said, “We believe that You came from God.” However, I think Jesus’ response to their declaration of faith, surprised and shocked them. Surely they didn’t expect Him to cause them to question their confidence. He had just told them that the Father had sent Him and loved them. Here was further proof of His love. He told them again what was going to happen before it happened. They were going to leave Him alone. Satan was to scatter them and drive them to their own homes— as if all that was said and done was fruitless and wasted. Why did He say these things to them when they were seemingly so confident in their faith? He said them because their confidence was wrongly placed. Their confidence should be firmly lodged in one great truth. Jesus Himself! He was sent to make a place for them in Himself (as He said in 14:1-2) where they could live in peace with God, with themselves, in this world. Peace in this world of tribulation cannot come in any other way, but in Jesus Christ, Himself. He alone is our peace. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com