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Commentaries
English
John
  
28"You heard me say to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.29And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe.30I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me;31but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go hence."


The disciples were troubled as their Lord repeated the news that he would leave them. The parting drew near. Again, Jesus confirmed his departure, but also stressed the fact that he was returning. He said, "Rejoice, I leave you, because I go to the Father. Rejoice at my going to my original homeland. I shall not place on you anything like the suffering of the cross. I shall free you from the fear of the tomb. My message to you is about your unity with the Father. If you loved me, you would rejoice at my return to heaven. I regard my Father as greater than me. I love Him dearly, but my love for you shall also never cease. I shall come to you in His Spirit."
Jesus drew a great picture of the Father, for them to realize His majesty and cling to Him, as well as be ready for their parting from the Master, who was nigh unto death. Jesus wished them to remember that even death did not signify that God was his adversary. The peace between Father and Son was enduring, so the Father would draw him to Himself beyond that death.
Further talk was unnecessary; Jesus rose to accomplish the Father’s bidding, that is the world’s redemption on the cross. Then the Spirit would come upon his disciples. This redemption would apply to all humanity. He wished that every person would be aware of God’s infinite love.
Then, Jesus and his followers left the upper room where he had set the New Covenant, and went out into the gloom of night, crossing the Kidron valley. They walked to the Mount of Olives towards the Garden of Gethsemane, where the betrayer lurked.

Prayer
We thank you, Lord, for your peace. You have cleansed our hearts and given us rest. Forgive our anxieties, fears and despair in the torrents of hatred, conflicts and corruption. Thank you for your Spirit to guard us in peace. May he remind us in the hours of temptation of your powerful words, so that we may not fall in sin and unbelief or the curse of despair, but look to you praying in hope, patient in gladness. Thank you that our way leads back to the Father. We bow to you, o Lamb of God, for preparing a home for us in heaven.
Question
What is God’s peace?