Jesus Gives His Peace

Jesus Gives His Peace

By Greg Johnson

April 4, 2007

http://www.LovingGodFellowship.org

On His way to the cross to die for our sins, Jesus had supper with His followers to bring comfort to their troubled hearts. They had left everything including jobs, family and the comforts of home to follow Him and now He was telling them that He was going to die. Their hearts were heavy with such news. At their most desperate time, Jesus gave them a promise. Jesus said (John 14:27 NIV) "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."

Jesus promises His followers His peace. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in to your heart. It’s powerful. In our most desperate times when our hearts are heavy, Jesus gives His peace and it surpasses all understanding.

REFLECT ON THE PEACE OF CHRIST.

Jesus had peace during temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). In the temptation of Christ, we see His peace. He had fasted for 40 days and was in a weak and vulnerable state when the devil came against him. Jesus quoted three times out of the book of Deuteronomy and used the Word of God to overcome temptation.

Jesus had peace during rejection (Luke 4:16-30). In Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth, Jesus was in the synagogue on the Sabbath "as was His custom" (Luke 4:16). As He shared the Word of God and its truth to the people, they became furious and were going to kill Him. They took Him out to a cliff to through Him off, but Jesus peacefully slips away through the crowd and went on His way.

Jesus had peace during a storm (Luke 8:22-25). Jesus was in a boat with His followers when a great storm came up. Jesus was asleep on the boat in the midst of this storm. These fisherman turned disciples had seen many storms, but nothing like this one and they were terrified. Not Jesus. He was peacefully sleeping. When His followers woke Him, He spoke a word and brought peace to chaos and destruction.

Jesus had peace at the cross (Luke 23:34). At Calvary, Jesus had been beaten, ridiculed and mocked. They stripped Him, spat on Him, put a crown of thorns on His head and nailed Him to the cross. From the cross He peacefully looks at those that did such underserved violence to Him and said "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

What great peace in the midst of temptation, rejection, a ferocious storm and crucifixion!

JESUS GIVES HIS PEACE TO US.

The peace that Jesus gives us is not of this world; it’s of Him. Jesus gives His followers His peace. The same peace that He demonstrated through temptation, rejection, storms and death He gives to His followers.

Beloved, hear Jesus say today to you (John 14:27 NIV) "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." Jesus’ peace comes to you through the Holy Spirit. Peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The day you fell at the foot of the cross and truly repented of your sins, you were baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit. Resurrection power now dwells in you. With resurrection power comes the peace of Jesus. Ask God today for a greater measure of the Holy Spirit in your life. Receive the peace of Jesus today. He freely gives it to you!