Further into the chapter, Jesus goes on to talk more directly about peace. If they pray in His name - praying using His name and for Christ-related things - He will answer their prayers ( John 14:13-14).
#PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU HOW TO#
Also important to obtaining peace, Jesus admonishes His followers on how to pray. This is further proof that Jesus’ peace transcends that of the world. Next, Jesus tells Philip that because they have seen Him they have seen God because God is in Him and He in God ( John 14:10). No one comes to the Father except through me.” ( John 14:6). “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. After being asked a question by the disciple Thomas (often referred to as doubting Thomas), Jesus goes on to say one of His most widely quoted verses, which is another reassurance. He tells them that there are many rooms for them and that one day He will return to take them ( John 14:2-3). The first reassurance is of their place in Heaven. Each reassurance offers commentary on the nature of this divine peace. Throughout the passage, Jesus gives his followers many reassurances. In this chapter specifically, we read a recounting of Jesus’ teaching delivered by the disciple John. What Did Jesus Mean by 'My Peace I Give to You'?Ĭhapter 14 in the Book of John is one place Scripture draws a contrast between worldly peace and godly peace. Christians today can be reassured that though worldly peace is temporary, the peace God offers believers is eternal and transcends our circumstances. He foretold that many troubles would plague humanity, but He also offered hope ( John 16:33). He understood humanity’s desire, even the need for peace during our lifetime. Jesus was no stranger to the idea of peace. Does this mean that peace is unattainable, a trait humanity longs for, but is never able to find? Even when we solve one problem, another problem always arises ( Job 5:7). For others who prefer the method of distraction, the stressor is never fixed. Those advocating for social change will always have a cause that is never complete. This is a peace we can find in the world and this peace is always temporary. Our peace may come in the form of a television series, eating food, or reading a book.
For those not facing difficulties like poverty, violence, or slavery, we often attempt to find peace from more mundane stresses such as a long workday or family drama. Sometimes we even seek peace without solving problems. The more issues we solve, the more we can live at peace.
All of these problems render peace impossible, thus we seek to solve them. We see this day-to-day in a society where people advocate for social change - eliminating poverty, violence, or slavery. In this way, peace appears to be ingrained in the human condition. An argument could be made that though two people may not share the same faith, both desire peace. This single word carries significant meaning for believers and nonbelievers alike. The word evokes a sense of calm, serenity, a feeling that everything works out. "My peace I give you." We've heard this phrase from Jesus before, but what does Jesus' peace look like exactly? And how does he give it to us?