Notice that Jesus says, “My peace I leave with you.” Not just peace, but His peace.
What is His peace?
Firstly, it is the peace we spoke about yesterday: peace with God. Jesus, God the Son, has been in perfect harmony within the Godhead for all eternity, and He has reconciled us to God to bring us into that perfect relationship of heavenly peace. We know the living God!
Secondly, we see His peace in the way that Jesus lived on earth. What was He doing in the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:38)? He was asleep, while His disciples (who were experienced sailors) were panicking! Jesus had total peace in the storm, and that is the peace that He has given to us.
Thirdly, we see His peace in the way that He went to the cross. Although He went through unimaginable physical, spiritual and emotional anguish, He still had peace. He still trusted the Lord without fear. “He opened not His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). He didn’t call down curses on the cross, but prayed for His murderers, spoke salvation to the thief, provided care for His mother. “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Jesus had total peace in the face of suffering and death, and that is the the peace that He has given to us.
Finally, we see His peace now. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 1:13). Even though the world seems crazy and messed up to us, is there any panic and fear in heaven? Look in Revelation 4 and 5! Do you see Jesus scratching His head and thinking “what are we going to do now?” No! Of course not! He is surrounded by the hosts of heaven all around the throne. Jesus has total peace now, and that is the peace that He has given to us.
There is an old hymn that says:
In heavenly love abiding,
No change my heart shall fear;
And safe is such confiding,
For nothing changes here.
The storm may roar around me,
My heart may low be laid;
But God is round about me,
And can I be dismayed?
Wherever He may guide me,
No want shall turn me back;
My Shepherd is beside me,
And nothing can I lack:
His wisdom ever waketh,
His sight is never dim;
He knows the way He taketh,
And I will walk with Him.
Green pastures are before me,
Which yet I have not seen;
Bright skies will soon be o’er me,
Where darkest clouds have been;
My hope I cannot measure,
My path to life is free;
My Saviour has my treasure,
And He will walk with me.
The best is yet to come 