In John 14:1, what does it mean to 'let not your hearts be troubled'?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In John 14:1, Jesus tells the disciples: "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." Jesus told His disciples not to be troubled after He had already told them of the difficulties that were to come. He also reassured the disciples they would have victory and empowerment through the Holy Spirit who would come upon them. This Spirit of hope gives believers peace to overcome troubling circumstances and future cares. The early church followers of Jesus showed powerful evidence of the Spirit’s work in their lives as told in the book of Acts.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• One of the most beautiful and promising psalms is Psalm 23 which describes this place of rest as that of trusting in the Lord as the Shepherd of life.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In John 12, Jesus prophesied His crucifixion.
• In John 13, Jesus alerted the disciples to the fact that one of them would betray Him (Judas Iscariot) and also told Peter that he would deny Him. All of this news was disturbing to the disciples.
• In John 15 and 16, Jesus warned the disciples of the difficulties that would come after His death, but He also promised them the victory and strength they would receive from the Holy Spirit.
• In John 16:33, Jesus reassured His disciples of peace over circumstances. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Because Jesus has overcome the world as well as sin and death, our hearts do not have to be troubled by the difficulties in the world.
• The promised Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, producing a multitude of sign gifts.
• Paul repeated this promise Jesus gave the disciples: And now, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).
• Jesus reassured His followers about the future when He said, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). We can trust God in the midst of our difficulties and cares.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Although Jesus warned the disciples of the difficulties that would come while living in this world, He did not leave them without hope. He showed His care by warning them of what was to come, and He also showed His care by providing the way to endure through it. He promised that He was going to prepare a place for them in heaven and that He would be sending the Holy Spirit to be with them until He returned. Later in the same chapter, Jesus also said: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27). Jesus gave the disciples the promise of the Holy Spirit to hold on to. The Holy Spirit illuminates truth to us (John 16:13), is God’s presence with us (1 Corinthians 6:19), convicts us of sin (John 16:8), allows us to walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh (Romans 8:1–4), is a guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13–14), and empowers us to live a life that reflects God’s love, wisdom, and holiness (Galatians 5:22–23), enabling us to bear fruit in accordance with His will (John 15:5) and guiding us into a deeper relationship with Christ (Romans 8:14). Although we, too, face difficulties in our lives, Jesus' encouragement to the disciples to "Let not your hearts be troubled" still applies to us today. As believers, we already have the Holy Spirit within us, and His presence provides peace in the midst of both joy and hardship.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus has overcome the world; therefore, we can let not our hearts be troubled.
• Jesus warned His followers of the difficulties that would come, yet He also promised His Holy Spirit to help them endure and not let their hearts be troubled.
• We can trust God in the midst of our difficulties and not let our hearts be troubled.

REFLECT

• What specific challenges or fears in your life might be causing you to feel troubled, and how can trusting in Jesus' victory over the world help you overcome them?
• How does the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life provide peace in the midst of your struggles?
• How does the truth that Jesus has already overcome the world help you trust Him with your worries?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding the Holy Spirit's role in our lives change the way we respond to life's difficulties and trials?
• How can we support and encourage others who are facing troubling circumstances, reminding them of the peace Jesus offers?
• What are some practical steps we can take to live in the peace Jesus gives, even when life feels overwhelming?