John 14:27

Encourager’s Devotional Series – March Bible Study Answer Guide

/ Lisa Womble / 2 Comments

These are the answers to the Bible study for the March devotional in the Encourager’s Devotional Series. Where responses may vary, I have not listed specific answers, but I would love to hear some of yours in the comments.

Information 

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This passage is set in the midst of a long discussion that Jesus had with his disciples, in which He was trying to prepare them for future events. What did Jesus know was about to happen? (see John 13:1,21,33; 14:2,19-20,28; 17:1-5,11)

  • He was going to leave this world and go to the Father.
  • One of the disciples was going to betray Him.
  • He would not be with them much longer.
  • He was going to prepare a place for them and would return to take them with Him.
  • They would see Him even when the world could not because He would be in them.
  • He would be coming back.
  • He would be glorified.
  • The Father would protect them.

Read the entire discussion (John 13:1-17:26). What things in this passage let us know that “peace” according to Jesus does not mean absence of trouble? (see 15:18-20; 16:32-33; 17:14-15)

  • They would be hated and persecuted just as Jesus was.
  • Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble.”
  • Jesus prayed they would be protected from the evil one, suggesting that the evil one would be out to harm them.

You may remember from January’s study that the word for encourage in Greek is parakaleson (parakavleson). In that case, it is used as a verb and has a broad range of meaning – from exhort, admonish, and urge strongly to comfort and come alongside someone. The same word is used as a noun (parakletos) in John 14:26, 15:26, and 16:7. Depending on your translation, the word may be interpreted as advocate, counselor, comforter, or helper. In these passages in John, the word is being used in reference to the Holy Spirit.  Continue reading →

Encourager’s Devotional Series – March Bible Study

/ Lisa Womble / 2 Comments

This is the study guide to accompany the March devotional for the Encourager’s Devotional Series.

Information 

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “______________ I leave with you; my _________ I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be __________ and do not be _________.”

This passage is set in the midst of a long discussion that Jesus had with his disciples, in which He was trying to prepare them for future events. What did Jesus know was about to happen? (see John 13:1,21,33; 14:2,19,28; 17:1-5,11)

Read the entire discussion (John 13:1-17:26).

What things in this passage let us know that “peace” according to Jesus does not mean absence of trouble? (see John 15:18-20; 16:32-33; 17:14-15)

You may remember from January’s study that the word for encourage in Greek is parakaleson (parakavleson). In that case it is used as a verb and has a broad range of meaning, from exhort, admonish, and urge strongly to comfort and come alongside someone. The same word is used as a noun (parakletos) in John 14:26, 15:26, and 16:7. Depending on your translation, the word may be interpreted as advocate, counselor, comforter, or helper. In these passages in John, the word is being used in reference to the ____________   ______________.  Continue reading →

Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos – March Encourager’s Devotion

/ Lisa Womble / 6 Comments

March Encourager's Devotion

Just a quick scan of news headlines can be very discouraging, even downright frightening.

Justice Department finds racial bias in Ferguson police practices

Netanyahu Says Iran Poses ‘Threat to Peace of Entire World’

Iran calls Obama’s 10-year nuclear demand ‘unacceptable’

Target to cut thousands of jobs

Get ready—Fed to cause major turmoil this month

It is hard to maintain inner peace when our world is in such chaos. Yet that is exactly what Christ came to bring us – a peace that the world will never be able to offer us (John 14:27), a peace that defies human understanding and guards our hearts and minds no matter what is going on around us (Phil. 4:7).

I remember a time when I experienced that kind of peace. I was pregnant with my first child, but had been put on 24 hour bedrest due to complications. I was fearful, worried I might be losing my baby. Lying in bed, I read Psalm 91 (NKJV):

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. … He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge … You shall not be afraid.”

Things like this are hard to explain, but as I read that passage, I could just picture God “covering me” and I felt peace in His presence.

My father once shared a story with me about God ministering peace to his spirit when he was going through a bout with cancer. He was driving down the road worrying about life, death, and his family. He had a Christian radio station on and a song called “Silent Partner” by Jessy Dixon began to play. Dad said he started to weep as he was comforted by the idea that God was his partner during that difficult time – a partner you might not always see or hear, but you know He’s there giving you strength and seeing you through.

A few years ago, I discovered prayer labyrinths (you can see prior posts about labyrinths and an explanation of what they are here). The image for this post includes a picture of one of my favorites at Mercy Retreat Center in St. Louis, MO. When my sister passed away in 2012, I was so glad I had found these beautiful places to pray. My time there brings me peace.

I share these stories with you because they show various ways to draw closer to God and attain the peace He promises – Bible reading, Christian music, prayer walks. Other means of finding peace might be through the company of friends and family, through worship services, or through inspirational reading. I have also had art minister peace to me. We might do as Paul suggested in Philippians 4:8-9 and think on anything we can that is good, or lovely, or praiseworthy when we are bombarded with negative news images. Paul also says in Philippians that when you do the things you know are right “the God of peace will be with you.” It is interesting that Paul wrote all this while he was in prison. He had discovered how to have peace regardless of his circumstances (4:11-13).

OUR PEACE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND US.

IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

Now, what does all this have to do with being an encourager? Well, this is a time when those around us are worried and fearful. We will only be able to encourage them if we are at peace ourselves. You cannot lead someone to a place you  cannot find yourself. So, build yourself up in the faith and then go minister to others who need peace.

MAY YOU SHINE AS LIGHTS IN A CROOKED AND PERVERSE WORLD! (Phil. 2:15)

This post is part of the Encourager’s Devotional Series.

Accompanying materials for this month’s devotions: Click here for the Bible study for March and here for the answer guide.