7th week in Easter Time, Monday – 25th May 2020 — Gospel: Jn 16,29-33
Encouraged by Jesus’ peace
The disciples mistakenly thought that they understood everything now, but Jesus gently challenges their presumption saying, “Do you now believe?” (16,31). But in spite of their lack of understanding and in spite of Lord’s knowledge that they will shortly be scattered and leave Jesus alone, He concludes with a wonderful promise of peace and courage, “… You may have peace … Take courage” (16,33). Every time the words, “Take courage,” appear in the NT, they come from the lips of the Lord, except in one place (Mk 10,49). In Mt 9,2 Jesus tells a paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” In Mt 9,22, He tells the suffering woman who touched the hem of His garment, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well”. In Mt 14,27, He tells the frightened disciples who see Him walking on the water, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” After Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem, when he was confused about his future, the Lord appeared to him and said, “Take courage; … Be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Rome also” (Acts 23,11). And, here in 16,33 Jesus tells his disciples who are confused and about to fail, to take courage because in Him they have peace. In summing up all these, we are encouraged by our Lord’s pardon (Mt 9,2); His power (Mt 9,22); His presence (Mt 14,27); His purpose (Acts 23,11); and His peace (Jn 16,33). We are encouraged in our failure with an assurance that ultimately our peace is in Christ, not in our performance.
