“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Jesus is author of peace. He further teaches us that He is the great giver of peace. His peace is a wonderful peace. It’s a peace that is solid and comforting, especially in the midst of distressing trials. It’s a deep peace that passes understanding. It’s a peace that guards the hearts of His children in Christ (Philippians 4:7). Jesus’ peace is a unique peace. It hits places in our hearts and minds that other peace can’t.
As Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure from them, he taught them many things and gave them comfort. His departure would be hard but also good for them. We find many gold nuggets of instruction in John 14. One of these nuggets, is Jesus’ promise that God the Father would send His disciples the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would be the Helper. He would teach them all things and bring to their remembrance the things Christ taught them that they had forgotten (v. 26). The same is true for all Christians, for you and me. The Spirit brings to our minds that which we had been taught, by leading us into the understanding of it. He comforts our hearts. Further, Jesus would bequeath His disciples, and all Christians, His peace.
We find three important things, in verse 27, that we need to study and seek to keep in our minds every day.
- Christ’s Peace is a Gift- Jesus possesses this peace. It isn’t something that we find, discover, or stumble upon on our own. Jesus gives it abundantly to His children. The Spirit works in and brings about the fruit of peace in us (Galatians 5:22). God calls us to be at peace among one another in the body of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:13), even with all men (Romans 12:18). Also, importantly, He has given us peace with God (Romans 5:1).
- Christ’s Peace vs. The World’s Peace- The world offers peace that promises much, but is shallow and passing. Christ’s peace is deep and lasting. The world’s gifts concern the body and time. Yet, Christ’s gifts enrich the soul for eternity. The peace that Christ gives is infinitely more valuable than that which the world gives. Do you grasp and understand its value? Matthew Henry gives a helpful illustration: “As is the difference between a killing lethargy and a reviving refreshing sleep, such is the difference between Christ’s peace and the world’s.”
- Hearts Free of Trouble and Fear- What use shall we make of Christ’s gift? Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jesus, here, brings to conclusion the instruction He began Chapter 14 with- Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. (v.1)
What use are you making of this wonderful gift Jesus has given you? Thinking about the disciples troubled and fearful hearts as they thought about Jesus leaving them, what troubles and fears do you have in your heart today? How should and does Christ’s peace affect you? There are many things can trouble us today, increasingly so every day. There are many things that tempt us to fear. As you examine your heart and God shows you what is there, I encourage you to remember what Jesus has taught you, know His peace that pushes out and deals thoroughly with your troubles and fears. Call upon the Holy Spirit in prayer to work in and bring about the lovely fruit of that peace in your heart and life. Be enriched by it and cherish it, knowing its infinite value. Then share that peace with others. With a joyful heart, tell them about this amazing peace that Jesus gives to those who trust and believe in Him.