“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.” -John 14:27
When Jesus spoke these words, he knew that the message he was spreading was very different from anything his disciples and followers had heard before. He knew that they were living in violent times, and fearfulness was all too common. The world around them was a scary place, and they were likely afraid of what might happen to them, or worse, to their loved ones. But this man, Jesus, offered them something new and different: unwavering peace, even in the most uncertain times. He understood the real, physical dangers that lurked around every corner as well as anyone. After all, he too would be subjected to violence – and even put to death – by men filled with hatred and contempt.
Fast forward two millennia, and we still find ourselves living in a broken world, filled with sin and hatred. People are hurting all around us, and at times that hurt manifests itself in the form of violence. We are constantly flooded with news headlines relaying the latest tragedies. Our society has become fearful of everything. Some find themselves living in a state of panic, afraid of what might happen when they go to work or send their children to school each morning.
In the wake of terrible tragedies, we can find comfort in this fact: the same Jesus who offered a message of peace 2,000 years ago is reigning today. The Bible tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”. His promises still hold as true as ever. He understood physical hurt and pain, and he saw first-hand the terror and anxiety brought on by a violent world. He knew human sadness, and even wept as his own friend died. But despite all this, he offers an alternative: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.” Not of this world, beyond all comprehension, peace that comes only from God. The same peace that covered Jesus as he prayed to his father in the garden. The peace that allowed him to walk willingly to the cross to give up his life for you and me. Peace that passes all human understanding.
Jesus ends this passage with a commandment: “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” He knows our human instinct is to give in to the fear and anxiety that pulls and gnaws at us. He understands. But his declaration is clear, “do not”. Rise above those feelings of doubt, and accept the peace that he offers so freely. Don’t be afraid of what might happen – “trust in God, trust also in me”.
As we go about our daily lives in the aftermath of tragedies that plague our nation and our world, let us be a source of peace to those around us. Let us live confidently, not in a state of fear or doubt. Let us not worry about our lives, fleeting as they are. Let us be beacons of light in a world filled with hatred and sin. Let us radiate hope and joy and peace in the things we say and do. If we want to make the world a better place, let’s start with prayer. Pray for your family, your community, and your world. Take the time that you’d waste worrying, and spend it loving your children and teaching them the values of kindness and forgiveness. Teach them to trust fully in God for everything, and show them that you do the same. Don’t let them see a flicker of fear in your eyes. Who wants to grow up in a world filled with fear? Spread love, spread hope, spread the peace that comes only from Jesus.
