I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. – John 16:33
It would be difficult to say that Jesus had peace as He hung on the cross. And yet… until His last words, the Father was close to Him. Think of His words in Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Our Lord was thinking of the well-being of those around Him.
Again, in the next verses, the Lord’s conversation with the thief on the cross ended with, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (v. 43). Don’t you think the forgiven thief experienced a sense of peace as he hung beside Jesus? Lastly, Jesus gave instruction to His disciple John to take care of His earthly mother (John 19:26-27).
Whether or not the Son of Man was aware of the torment He would experience in His final hours because of the sins of humankind, He knew it was His mission from the beginning. He also knew that His death and resurrection would be the victory for all who believed in Him… a victory that allows peace in the midst of storms, difficulties, and persecution. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.
Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5).
Believer, your peace is that which comes from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray now for this nation that is in turmoil, that its people may see your faith and peace and want that same thing.
It is God’s desire that none perish but that all be victorious in Him.
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