Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. – John 14:27
At times, the concept that Jesus is the Prince of Peace may seem contradictory with other verses in the Bible. At the birth of Christ, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). Yet Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34).
As in the second part of today’s verse, “Not as the world gives do I give to you,” Jesus made the distinction between peace on earth and peace with God in people’s hearts. Jesus IS peace to the believer (Ephesians 2:14). He’s the only way to have peace with God the Father. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
While Jesus promises inner calm to the believer’s heart, the lack of turmoil on Earth is a desirable thing as well. The apostle Paul says that God’s people should pray for leaders so that they may have quiet and peaceful lives (1 Timothy 2:2). In Acts 24:2, Felix was commended for bringing peace to the area.
Jesus doesn’t promise believers a life without trouble. He does promise peace with God and inward peace. Again, Paul writes on the subject, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). While you pray for peace in the United States, it is ultimately more important to pray that people will make peace with God by receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Today’s Verse: 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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
