The Cross of Christ - Pt. 6

 

[Jesus said] “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.” (John 14:25-31 ESV).

 

Our nation needs peace. There is so much conflict going on between people groups, nations, political parties, religious groups, churches, and even individual Christians. There’s internal conflict in the form of anxiety and stress. I’m not sure the unrest of the later sixties or early seventies are even comparable to the polarization evidenced in our nation today.

 

In our reading today, Jesus gives us the answer. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (v. 27). Lasting peace can only come from Jesus. His peace is deep and soul satisfying. His peace brings wholeness. It’s like solving a puzzle. Jesus’ peace takes the scattered pieces and puts them in order. The result is peace in a variety of ways.

 

We can have peace with God through the covering of our sins. That leads to peace within as we know we have a Father who loves us. And, there’s peace with others as we learn to serve and be gracious and forgiving. Jesus’ peace is unique, much different from the world’s kind of peace. He said, “I do not give to you as the world gives.” The world seeks peace, but it only touches the surface of our lives. It may lead to a temporary end of conflict, but it cannot cure the source of that conflict — sinful human hearts.

 

Jesus is the great peacemaker. Trust in Him today! Emulate His example toward others!