A Lenten and Eastertide message from our Advancement Office:
“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).
The peace which Christ spoke to the disciples, to you, and to the entire world is not rooted in idle talk. Rather, Jesus speaks of what He alone brings: life and salvation. The Gospel promise, first spoken by the Lord in Genesis, is the promise of Satan’s utter defeat (Genesis 3:15).
The mock trials, beatings, and bloody battle on the Cross at Golgotha, in which Christ’s heel was bruised in order to crush Satan’s head, might trouble people. The sinful hearts of all who hear the passion of Christ can be tempted to stumble and be afraid. Yet, such fears are only whispers of the deceiving Satan who assails the heart with doubt. Scripture teaches us that heavenly peace results from this conflict.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther wrote concerning John 14:27, “It is a very comforting and pleasing bequest that He leaves them. It does not consist of cities and castles or of silver and gold; it is peace, the greatest treasure in heaven and on earth. He does not want His disciples to be fearful and mournful; He wants them to have true, beautiful, and longed-for peace of heart. ‘For so far as I am concerned,’ Christ says, ‘you shall have nothing but sheer peace and joy. All My sermons to you and all My associations with you have let you see and realize that I love you with all My heart and do for you everything that is good, and that My Father is most graciously disposed toward you. That is the best I can leave to you and give you; for peace of heart is the greatest peace’” (Luther’s Works, Vol 24: Sermons on the Gospel of St. John: Chapter 14–16).
Since Jesus Christ obtained the victory all your fear s are removed. Therefore we are given peace in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and sing joyfully:
“Praise we in songs of victory
That love, that life which cannot die,
And sing with hearts uplifted high:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!”
(LSB 475:3; text copyright Cyril A. Alinton)
Concordia Theological Seminary exists to form servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all. As these future servants prepare to bring the peace of Christ to others, will you join us in guiding them toward such a noble purpose? Your prayerful and financial support to CTSFW is welcomed and is vital for our continued work. You can learn about the many ways in which you can support your future pastors and deaconess at www.ctsfw.edu/give-for-today, or by contacting our Advancement Office at [email protected] and (877) 287-4338.