John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27
In this verse, Jesus bequeaths a special peace: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” He contrasts this peace with what the world offers—often transient, grounded in external circumstances or avoidance of conflict. The setting remains the farewell discourse, where Jesus reassures his disciples amid looming trials, betrayal, and uncertainty about his physical presence. The peace Jesus gives is not a removal of hardship but a secure interior calm rooted in trust in him and in his Father’s sovereignty. The call to “let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” echoes Old Testament exhortations to trust in God amid danger (e.g., Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 4:8). This is not naiveté but a deep, confident reliance on a God who is faithful, who governs history, and who embodies steadfast love.
This verse foregrounds the nature of Christian peace as rooted in relationship with Christ and trust in the Father. It signals the coming era of the Spirit’s fruit: peace as a divine gift that sustains believers through trials. The peace Jesus gives transcends circumstance; it is reconciled to God, secure in his purposes, and animated by hope. The command to not be troubled or afraid aligns with the ethical call to trust God rather than living in anxiety. It also points to the unity of Jesus and the Father—reconciling the inner life with the outer mission. Peace here is both personal and communal, shaping how believers interact with others in a world marked by conflict.
Practically, cultivate Jesus’ peace by daily surrender to God in prayer, choosing trust over anxiety in stressful moments—at work, with family, or in health concerns. When worry arises, pause, breathe, and recite a verse like, “My peace I give to you” to reframe the situation. Embrace practices that sustain inner peace: Sabbath rhythms, honest conversations with trusted friends, and acts of service that redirect focus from self to others. This peace also invites us to be peacemakers in our communities—listening well, diffusing tension, and embodying calm presence in crises. Remember that peace is not a lack of trouble but a steady confidence in God’s governance and love.
Cross-References: Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15; John 16:33; Romans 15:13