May 25 2025 Sermon
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Farewell discourse – to Jesus’ disciples on the night before he dies. have you ever panicked when left alone? Dad let’s go of the bicycle, first time behind the wheel, job training is over and you’re dealing with a situation.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
In biblical understanding, the “heart” is the central hub of a person’s entire inner being, encompassing their: Mind/Intellect: It’s where thoughts, understanding, and knowledge reside. Decisions are made and motives are formed in the heart Emotions: It’s the seat of feelings like joy, sorrow, love, fear, anxiety, and desire A troubled heart, therefore, means one that is experiencing distress, worry, fear, or despair. Will/Moral Character: It represents a person’s choices, intentions, and the core of their character and disposition. It’s where one believes and trusts. Spirit: It’s the spiritual seat of one’s personal life and relationship with God.
Therefore, when Jesus tells his disciples “do not let your hearts be troubled,” he is essentially telling them not to let their entire inner being be consumed by fear, anxiety, or distress.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
In summary, the “peace” Jesus offers in John 14:27 is a multifaceted gift:
It’s holistic well-being (shalom) encompassing all aspects of life. It’s reconciliation with God through His atoning work. It’s a supernatural inner tranquility that transcends external circumstances. It’s divine assurance that banishes fear.
Peace in Resurrection encounters In summary, while John 14:27 is a promise of peace before his departure, the fulfillment and demonstration of that peace, especially in the context of his resurrection and the disciples’ fear and doubt. These post-resurrection greetings of “Peace be with you” (Greek: Eirēnē hymin) are powerful affirmations of his victory over death and his calming presence in the midst of their uncertainty and anxiety.
It’s an empowerment for living out one’s faith and mission.
We can seek a substitute. The peace that the world offers.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Christians in the late first century faced increasing persecution from both Jewish authorities (who often expelled believers from synagogues) and the Roman Empire (which began to view Christianity with suspicion, especially after Nero’s persecutions).
In a world that offered little external peace, Jesus’ promise of an inner peace was a vital source of strength and endurance. John 14:27 tells them that this peace is “not as the world gives,” meaning it’s not a peace based on the absence of conflict or the favor of worldly powers, but a peace that can sustain them through conflict and opposition. It prepares them for the reality that they “will have trouble in this world” (John 16:33), but can still have peace in Christ.
The “world’s peace” (e.g., economic prosperity, political stability, social harmony) feels increasingly fragile or elusive. The anxieties that arise as the “world’s peace” is at risk create a strong desire for true, lasting peace. Jesus’ promise of a peace “not as the world gives” speaks powerfully to the need for an inner calm that isn’t dependent on external conditions. It encourages resilience and trust in God amidst the surrounding turmoil.
An example of peace that Christ gives
May 28th marks one year since we started Silent Meditation at St Barnabas. As the leader of the practice I got very intentional in the practice – today will be the 411th consecutive day of spending 20 minutes or more in silent meditation. It continues to be a struggle – Simple but not easy silent meditation. Thoughts often intrude on the silence, rehashing the past, planning for what lies ahead, silent meditation calls for being in the present moment. But it has changed my heart. Mind/Intellect: Emotions: Will/Moral Character: Spirit:
Hiking the Bruce Trail – the last 75 km of the Peninsula section, one stretch of 18km, recognized as the hardest stretch of the trail.
Mind/intellect, emotions, I chose not to be whiny – not for my sake but because it was unfair to Cathy, Spirit: able to stay in the moment, to trust that I could take the next step the certainty that in every moment I live in a God soaked universe, But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.