The Gospel Of John Chapter 13 Pt. 5 Is Your Heart Troubled? Believe On Jesus Christ!

Jesus foretells Peter's martyrdom.

John 13:36   Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. 

The scriptures are inspired, as we know. However, the chapter divisions are helps inserted by translators, so that we might more easily find our place. 

In this instance, the end of John 13 runs right into the beginning of chapter 14. I will try to keep these things connected so that we understand why John 14 begins as it does. 

Peter asked Jesus about where He was going. His question is connected with John 13:33, where Jesus said He would be with them for a short while longer, but where He was going they could not come. 

The truths Jesus told them about His sufferings and death, were starting to sink in a bit. Thus, Peter wanted to know where Jesus was going.

Peter is near death, and wants us to take hold of God's truth. 

2 Peter 1:13-15  Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14)  Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15)  Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 

Jesus' answer was that where He was going (to the cross and back to His Father), Peter could not go. However, at a future time, Peter would follow Christ there, speaking of the apostle's eventual martyrdom. 

A mature Peter reflected on Christ's words to him. The apostle was still alive and this is why Peter said that as long as he was in his body (tabernacle) he had some things to say to them, that they needed to hear.

Peter told the church at large, that the time for his martyrdom was fast approaching, and he must be willing to put off the tabernacle of flesh, as Jesus showed him.

As a point of emphasis, Peter said "Even after I am dead, I want you to remember these precious truths. In fact, I want you to pass the same truths down to each succeeding generation of Christians."

Jesus foretells Peter's three denials.

John 13:37-38  Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. 38)  Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. 

Peter confidently expressed his sincere desire to follow Christ, even to his own death. 

Peter had heard his Master speak so often  of His sufferings, that he could not grasp Christ 's words, other than knowing He was going to die. Thus, Peter resolved to die with his Lord.

Yet, Jesus, knowing all things past, present and future, knew that Peter would deny Him three times. 

Peter was certainly sincere, but he did not know his own weakness. He truly was willing to die, but when the time came Peter denied the Lord.

This shows us that Jesus must first die for Peter, before Peter can die for Him. Let no man think he can do any good, without the immediate assistance of God. 

Peter’s denial should be a clear warning against self confidence in us. Though we may be sincere, when we face the test, sincerity is not enough. 

Let us choose to honor God and then look to Him for power to do so, for without Him, we can do nothing.

You believe in my Father. Believe in me!

John 14:1  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

John 14 begins with a well known text. Jesus knew that their hearts were troubled at the prospect of Him going back to the Father. 

The word "troubled" refers to an internally agitated heart, a mind plagued with doubt and fear, a very restless inner turmoil.

They were troubled because Jesus was leaving them on earth, to carry on the ministry. 

They were troubled because the One who raised the dead, calmed the seas, fed the multitudes, made the blind to see, caused the lame to walk and cleansed the lepers, was not going to be with them anymore. 

Jesus gave His disciples great encouragement. They believed in God the Father, and they needed to believe on the Son of God, Jesus Christ. 

Faith in Jesus Christ will never be disappointed. 

Psalm 42:5-6  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 6)  O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

The Psalmist asked his own soul, why it was cast down, discouraged and troubled. He reminded himself where his hope is. 

"Hope thou in God" he said to himself (and to us). He knew that when his soul trusts God it will be turned to praise Jehovah. It will no longer be cast down or troubled. 

Look into the light of God's Word and find comfort for your troubled soul.

Psalm 43:3-5  O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. 4)  Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. 5)  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. 

Run to the scriptures! Take up the Word of God and allow the entrance of its light to illuminate your soul. 

Look into the promises of Jehovah and let it's light shine brightly where we are stepping. Let the His word show us where God is taking us. 

Look into your Bible and read. Bask in His eternal truth for God is speaking to you and to me!

We will find ourselves praising God soon enough and wonder how our soul could ever be troubled. Hope in God. Believe His promises for they are true.

Jehovah will walk beside us through all our troubles.

Isaiah 43:1-2  But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2)  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 

Hear the words of Isaiah. Jehovah is our Creator and Redeemer. We belong to Him through faith in Jesus Christ. 

We will face troubles and trials, but Jehovah will not allow the rivers of affliction to sweep us away. He will not allow the enemies fiery darts to consume us. His promise is secure. "I will be with thee!" 

Are there any better words of comfort for a Christian who faces a serious health issue, or who is impoverished, or who is overwhelmed by life's troubles? 

That is why Jesus can tell us "let not you soul be troubled. "God is in control and will bring to pass all things that He said He would do!"

Jesus said "Believe also in me!" Faith is a verb and that means it must have an object to act upon. Jesus Christ is the object of our faith. 

Faith means believing what God says in His Word. Faith means trusting God with your eternal soul. It is saving faith that says "I repent of my sins and turn in faith to Jesus, trusting that He will save me as He promised to do."

Thoughts to Ponder...

What are you believing in today?

Education and accomplishments cannot soothe a troubled soul.

Money and material things cannot quell the agitation in your heart.

Seeking out new experiences will not bring lasting satisfaction.

Only faith in Jesus Christ can calm the troubled heart. Only faith in Jesus Christ can overcome our fears and weakness.

Will you put your faith in Jesus Christ today? He still invites all sinners to come to His cross, repent of their sins, and turn to the Lord of Glory, who will save you!

Christian, let these wonderful truths sink into your heart. Put off the things of the world and seek those things above. 

There you will find balm for your troubled soul and a peace from God for an agitated mind. 

Bob