"A Different Kind of Peace"

New International Version (2011) Chapter 14

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Text: John 14:27

INTRODUCTION:

"What storm are you facing this Advent season that needs Christ's peace?"

Maybe it's financial stress as you face holiday expenses. Perhaps it's relational tension with family members you'll see during the holidays. It could be health concerns casting a shadow over celebrations, or grief over an empty chair at the table this year. Some of you are carrying anxiety about an uncertain future.

So, we come to Advent with real burdens, real fears, real troubles. And into that reality, Jesus speaks these remarkable words: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

But here's what makes these words so extraordinary: Jesus spoke them in an upper room in Jerusalem, hours before His arrest and crucifixion. The disciples were confused and afraid. Jesus knew Judas had already left to betray Him. He knew Peter would deny Him. He knew the cross was waiting.

And in that moment—when His own storm was approaching—Jesus offered peace.

What a stunning irony? The one facing the greatest crisis in history is the one giving peace to others. This isn't cheap comfort from someone who doesn't understand suffering. This is the Prince of Peace, entering our troubled world, to offer something the world cannot give.

I. THE GIFT JESUS OFFERS: "Peace I Leave with You"

A. Peace as a Parting Gift

In Jewish culture, "Shalom" was both greeting and farewell—but Jesus means something deeper

This isn't just a nice sentiment; it's an inheritance He's leaving His disciples

The peace Christ offers is substantial, not superficial

B. Peace as Personal Possession

"My peace I give you" - it's Jesus' own peace

The same peace that allowed Him to sleep in the boat during the storm (Mark 4:38)

The same peace that carried Him through Gethsemane and the cross

He's not just wishing us peace; He's transferring His peace to us

C. Peace as Present Reality

"I leave... I give" - present tense verbs

This peace is available now, not just someday in heaven

Advent message: Peace has come in the person of Jesus

II. THE DIFFERENCE JESUS MAKES: "I Do Not Give to You as the World Gives"

A. The World's Peace is Conditional

World says: "You'll have peace when circumstances are right"

World's peace depends on: financial security, health, relationships, control

World's peace is always fragile, always threatened

B. The World's Peace is Temporary

Economic peace lasts until the market crashes

Relational peace lasts until conflict arises

Political peace lasts until the next crisis

The world's peace is circumstantial and fleeting

C. Christ's Peace is Different

It exists in spite of circumstances, not because of them

It's rooted in His presence, not our situation

Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you"

This is the peace that "transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7)

D. Examples of Christ's Peace in Unlikely Places

Disciples in the storm with Jesus present

Paul and Silas singing in prison

Martyrs throughout history facing death with inexplicable calm

Modern testimonies of peace in hospital rooms, funeral homes, unemployment lines

III. THE RESPONSE JESUS EXPECTS: "Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled and Do Not Be afraid"

A. Peace Requires Our Participation

"Do not let" - this is a command, an act of will

We have a choice in what we allow to dominate our hearts

Peace isn't just passively received; it's actively embraced

B. Trouble and Fear are Natural—But Not Mandatory

Jesus acknowledges we'll face trouble (John 16:33: "In this world you will have trouble")

He doesn't say trouble won't come; He says don't let it control your heart

Fear is a feeling; anxiety is a choice to dwell there

C. The Connection Between Trust and Peace

Jesus just said, "Trust in God; trust also in me" (John 14:1)

Peace flows from trust

When we trust God's character, promises, and presence, fear loses its power

D. Practical Steps to Receive His Peace

Fix your mind on Him (Isaiah 26:3)

Pray with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7)

Remember His faithfulness in past storms

Speak His truth over your fears

Stay connected to His presence through Word and worship

Closure: As we embark on the coming season of Advent, the Prince of Peace has come and is soon to come again. The Promised Child in Isaiah 9:6 is about to become a reality to an exiled nation. He is to bring about a peace that is multi-dimensional, vertical, internal, horizontal, and futuristic. This same promised Child who was born into the world some two thousand years later arrives. This same Jesus who came and is soon to come again offers this same peace to us today. His peace is available right now, no matter what storm of life we are facing. Can’t you hear Him saying: “I am your peace, even when nothing is calm.” "Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you." I challenge you today! This Advent season, don't just celebrate that Jesus came over 2,000 years ago. Receive the peace He offers you today. Let the Prince of Peace rule in your heart, not your circumstances. An old church song comes to my mind!, Oh, what a wonderful change has been wrought, since Jesus came into me heart, floods of joy, of my soul, like a sea billow roll since Jesus came into my heart. I can now experience a peace that surpasses all understanding, because He is the Prince of Peace! Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!