Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 20, 2025

Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 14:27-31a

Jesus said to his disciples: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading continues our reading of Jesus’ “Final Discourse” with His disciples before His arrest, crucifixion and death. In today’s text, Jesus extends to His disciples “Peace.” The “peace” that Jesus offers to his disciples is the wholeness that comes to our lives when sin and death no longer have a hold over us. The “peace” that Jesus offers comes from His death and resurrection wherein His obedience to the Father conquers sin and death.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Will I accept Jesus’ offer of “Peace”? Will I embrace His victory over sin and death and through my faith in Him allow it to bring me peace?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten Son to us as our brother, taking on our human nature in all ways except sin, to redeem us and to restore our relationship with You. Send your Spirit to stir within us so that we might fully embrace the “peace” Jesus offers to us, life in abundance with You, with no fear of sin or death. Grant that we may follow in Jesus’ footsteps and seek your will for us daily. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.