In our Jesus’ Emotions (really?) series thus far we have explored two emotions Jesus experienced, anger and anxiety. This Sunday we will look at three scripture lessons (below) that suggest Jesus also carried peace in his emotional toolbox.
In English the word ‘peace’ can be rather restricted and does not always convey the fullness of the Hebrew word ‘shalom’ or the Greek word ‘eirene.’ Complete well being is what these words have in mind. It pulls together both external and internal circumstances. For this Sunday we will pay attention to ‘peace’ as an internal emotion.
Consider these 3 scripture lessons and the question alongside it:
John 14: 25-27
‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Q. Where does peace (life/well-being) come from?
Matthew 11: 28-30
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
Q. Identify some things from which you most need to rest?
Mark 6:7-13, 30-33
He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So, they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.
Many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.
Q. This is a ‘sandwich’ scripture. Note the action on either side of Jesus’ invitation to come away and rest. Are there times when you need to rest after doing a stretch of tremendously good things?
