Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

Believers Who Have Died

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed^(A) about those who sleep in death,^(B) so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.^{(C) 14} For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,^(D) and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.^{(E) 15} According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,^(F) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.^{(G) 16} For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,^(H) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel^(I) and with the trumpet call of God,^(J) and the dead in Christ will rise first.^{(K) 17} After that, we who are still alive and are left^(L) will be caught up together with them in the clouds^(M) to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord^(N) forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another^(O) with these words.

⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,^(A) and the time for my departure is near.^{(B) 7} I have fought the good fight,^(C) I have finished the race,^(D) I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me^(E) the crown of righteousness,^(F) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(G)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(H)

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled.^(A) You believe^(B) in God^[a];^(C) believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there^(D) to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back^(E) and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.^{(F) 4} You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus the Way to the Father

⁵ Thomas^(G) said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am^(H) the way^(I) and the truth^(J) and the life.^(K) No one comes to the Father except through me.^(L)

²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate,^(A) the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,^(B) will teach you all things^(C) and will remind you of everything I have said to you.^{(D) 27} Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.^(E) I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled^(F) and do not be afraid.