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 (NIV)

The disciples had walked with Jesus through his three years of ministry up to this point, and they had seen Jesus’ peace in action!  To the disciples, Jesus was never afraid or overcome by fear. Jesus never retaliated against those who wronged him.  Even when he was moved by the circumstances, such as at the death of Lazarus, during the storm, or when falsely accused by the council, Jesus still exhibited his peace.  What on earth is this peace Jesus gave his disciples?

Jesus’ peace is the assurance of the Gospel, a certain confidence in God that no situation or circumstance or man or institution on earth could affect.  Jesus knew his purpose and his mission.  And as his time of death drew near, he encouraged the disciples with his peace.

Jesus’ peace is all a part of God’s plan.  From the time of Christ’s birth through today, peace has been crucial!  In these trying times, unless we have Christ’s peace, we will puzzle over things and our faith will waver.  We will  become overwhelmed, without Christ’s peace, and we will go under.  But this is why Jesus made his peace which “surpasses all understanding” available to us, to help us endure difficult times…to help us have firm confidence in the hope of the Gospel.

God knew that we would benefit from the peace of Jesus Christ even today.  As Christmas approaches, remember the gift of Jesus’ peace.  Praise God with the angels as you take hold of the peace of Jesus Christ!

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