“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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.
“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.
John 14:25-29
Scripture Notes
In verses 14-24, Jesus explains to his disciples the expectation of a Helper, the Spirit of truth, who dwells within each believer and never departs. Jesus emphasizes that although he is about to be united with his Father, he will not leave them as orphans but will send an advocate to those who continue his work, abide in him, and keep his commandments, thereby demonstrating their love for him. Through this love, the Father and the Son will love those who follow the truth and provide a conduit through the Spirit. One of the disciples questioned why Christ would appear to them and not to others, and Jesus responded by calling them to love Him and keep His words, His calling, and His commandments, all of which were given through the Father. The Trinity is front and center, with Jesus emphasizing the Oneness of the whole entity of God, who sent his Son into the world and delivers the Spirit into our innermost being.
All this I have spoken while still with you, says Jesus, as he prepares for his departure and sets the stage for a world where he will not be physically present. It is not surprising that the disciples were confused, as several books of the Old Testament prophesied of the coming Lord who would bring peace and restoration. Zechariah, Amos, Haggai, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel all include prophetic words about the coming Messiah and his triumph over the enemy. It would have been disappointing (to say the least) to realize that Jesus was leaving and returning to his Father. But Jesus does not leave the disciples, nor us, empty or alone. We are given the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father sends in the name of Christ. The Spirit will teach us and impress upon us the teachings of Christ. When we discern right from wrong, purpose from passion, or truth from falsity, it is the Spirit guiding us toward the works of Christ, to live as He lived, enlightened by His principles of loving God and loving others.
Instead of a traditional Shalom Aleichem, which delivers a temporary farewell, Jesus emphasizes the importance of the peace he offers. The misunderstanding of the peace in John 14:27 is that Jesus is not providing peace in the world, void of anxiety or fear. Instead, he offers peace that transcends the pain and struggles of the world, eternal and clear. Peace in the world often serves as a distraction or a blindness to chaos, but peace through Christ is not achieved through ignorance or illusion; instead, it is achieved through confidence in Him. It is easy to deceive ourselves into believing we are at peace when, in reality, we are not. Like The Matrix, we can choose to swallow the blue pill, pretend horrible things are not happening, and live in a world programed to lie to us or we can accept the truth, and yet not give into fear, but be steadfast, standing on the rock of salvation and led by an all powerful God.
From the perspective of someone familiar with the Old Testament, the ministry of Jesus seemed like a failure following the departure of their leader. Jerusalem remained under Roman control, the people of Israel had not been liberated or united, and heaven did not manifest on earth. Jesus encourages his disciples by assuring them that he will be with his Father. There should be joy, not sadness, for how can Christ return and fulfill the prophecies of old if he does not first return to heaven? Although the disciples may not have understood initially (John 12:16), they would eventually come to realize the truth of Jesus’ words, and their faith would deepen.
Like courage, the act of bravery confronts fear rather than denying it; the eternal peace offered is not devoid of anxiety, pain, or torment, but rises above the emotions and chaos of the world. This peace is free, just like salvation; it cannot be earned or bought. We can only accept the gift of peace and the promise of its eternal, transcendent serenity.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
MEMORY VERse
Charles E. Bolles. Untitled [sailboat on calm waters], 1897. The Minneapolis Institute of Art
Related Verses
More verses about the promise of peace:
Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- How can you tell if you are walking in the peace of Christ, or relying on the illusion of peace the world tries to convey? How can you shift your focus to be more on Christ and true peace?
- How can you maintain the peace of Christ in your lives even amidst the chaos and suffering of the world?
- How can you better understand and experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a source of peace?
Cover Image: Cornelius Varley. Sunlight on a lake at Snowdon, Llanberis, North Wales, 1800 – 1810. The Rijksmuseum
MANÁ 
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