The Peace I leave

Recap

Matthew 11:27–30 “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

Background

John teaches that Christ reassures His followers that faith in Hi is faith in god. To know Christ is to know “the way, and the truth, and the life” John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Literary Context:

- Part of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse (John 13–17), spoken before His crucifixion.

- Chapter 14 opens with comfort and promises of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure and the persecution that is to come.

Peace

Peace - εἰρήνη (eirēnē)

Rooted in Hebrew 'shalom' – wholeness, harmony, well-being

A. Jesus' Peace vs. The World's Peace

John 14:27 “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.”

- The world offers temporary or external peace.

- Jesus offers peace rooted in reconciliation with God, the Spirit's presence, and eternal assurance.

B. A Peace That Conquers Fear

- Jesus gives peace as an antidote to fear and trouble.

- This peace sustains His disciples amid persecution and uncertainty.

Cultural-Historical Background

"Peace" (shalom) was a common Jewish farewell, but Jesus redefined it in a spiritual sense.

- Roman “Pax Romana” was external and enforced; Jesus’ peace is internal and eternal.

Application

Personal:

- Are you relying on Jesus’ peace or the world’s peace?

- In uncertainty, remember this verse and draw from Christ’s presence.

Communal:

- Be a peacemaker, grounded in spiritual peace.

- Reflect calm and courage rooted in God’s Word.

Summary

Jesus’ final gift to His disciples is not the removal of trouble, but the impartation of divine peace—His peace. It is unlike any peace the world can offer: eternal, unshakeable, and rooted in the presence of God. This peace is meant to guard their hearts and embolden their witness.

Mark 4:39 “And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.

Thomas Watson