“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27)
This wonderful verse is what Jesus told His disciples on the night before His crucifixion when He celebrated the Passover meal with them. Let us remember that these were troubled and frightened disciples. They were told of betrayal, denial, and our Lord’s death and departure. They were fearful for their own lives. They needed assurance of peace.
These words have been a source of comfort to God’s people through troubling times during these past two millennia. There have been wars in which millions have been killed or pandemics in which millions have died. Certainly, in the current pandemic crisis there are so many who are troubled and fearful. Just as devastating, on an individual basis, is the loss of a loved one, diagnosis of a serious illness, loss of a job, or other crises. God’s children throughout the ages have needed His assurance of peace.
The Lord told His disciples that He was leaving His peace with them. Thankfully, it was not the peace which the world has to offer. The world’s peace depends on circumstances. Our Lord’s peace depends upon Him. His ability to give peace during troubled times was validated by His resurrection.
As Christians, we can claim this marvelous verse today. These are troubling and fearful times. However, because we trust a living Savior, the Prince of Peace, we can indeed have the “peace of God which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). We can be thankful that our Lord brings peace to our troubled and fearful hearts.
Heavenly Father, we thank You that in the midst of these troubling and fearful times, You give us peace.