John 14:1; 16:33 - Jarring Grace

Maundy Thursday

1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:1–3, New Living Translation, 2015)

Those words of comfort are often read at Christian funerals. They happen to be the opening words of a private conversation Jesus had after the Last Supper. This is what had preceded those words:
33 “'Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going.' ...36 Simon Peter asked, 'Lord, where are you going?' And Jesus replied, 'You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.'” (John 13:33-36, NLT15)

That would explain why Jesus was telling the disciples not to be troubled, because He was going to prepare a place in heaven for them. Here was Peter's response:
37 “'But why can’t I come now, Lord?' he asked. 'I’m ready to die for you.' 38 Jesus answered, 'Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.'” (John 13:37-38, NLT15)

That's when Jesus continued, with jarring grace:
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled... there is more than enough room in my Father’s home... I am going to prepare a place for you... When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:1-3)

In the rest of John 14, three of the disciples asked questions while Peter was silent. No wonder. Jesus had just told Peter that he would deny his Master, but "don't let your hearts be troubled..."

At the end of John 16, they were making their way to the Garden to pray. (Jn 14:31, 18:1; Matt 26:30) Peter was not the only one who would turn his back on Jesus. Jesus said that they will all abandon Him before the night is out.

But He concluded with the same, disarming comfort:
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

Not only that, but Jesus then launched into a detailed prayer of intercession for His disciples, both present and future. (John 17)

Jesus, my heart can't comprehend love like Yours. Peter isn't the only one to deny You. I've turned my back on You plenty of times. Yet you comfort and pray for me! I have nothing to offer you except my confession, and to ask you to make me to stand strong and faithful to You. Amen.