The Peace That Transcends Understanding
Introduction:
Today, we gather to explore one of the most precious gifts that our Lord Jesus Christ has given us—the gift of peace. In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and anxiety, the peace that Jesus offers is a beacon of hope and security. Our key verse for this message is John 14:27 (NLT), where Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
This peace is not like the fleeting peace the world offers; it is a deep, abiding peace that comes from knowing Jesus and trusting in His promises. Today, we will explore three key aspects of this divine peace: the source of our peace, the protection of our peace, and the application of our peace.
I. The Source of Our Peace: Jesus Himself
In John 14:27, Jesus makes it clear that the peace He gives is a gift—a gift that comes from Him alone. This peace is tied directly to the presence of Jesus in our lives. It is not dependent on our circumstances, our achievements, or our ability to control the world around us. Instead, it is rooted in the very nature of who Jesus is—the Prince of Peace.
In John 20:19-21 (NLT), we see Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection: “That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!”
Here, the disciples were filled with fear, uncertainty, and confusion, but when Jesus appeared, His first words were “Peace be with you.” His presence brought peace to their troubled hearts. This is the peace that comes from knowing that Jesus is alive, that He has conquered death, and that He is with us always.
The Greek word for peace used here is eirene, which means a state of tranquility or rest. It is a peace that is unaffected by external circumstances because it is rooted in the eternal and unchanging character of Jesus. When Jesus says, “Peace be with you,” He is not just offering a greeting; He is imparting His peace—a peace that calms our fears and settles our hearts.
Imagine being in a storm on the sea, with waves crashing around you and the wind howling. But then, Jesus stands up in the boat and says, “Peace, be still,” and the storm ceases. This is what happens when Jesus speaks peace into our lives. The storms may still rage around us, but His peace calms the storm within us.
Do you have this peace in your life? Are you trying to find peace in the things of this world, or are you looking to Jesus as the source of your peace? Take a moment to invite Jesus into the stormy areas of your life and allow Him to speak peace over you.
II. The Protection of Our Peace: Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
The peace that Jesus gives is not only a gift; it is also a protective shield that guards our hearts and minds from the attacks of the enemy. In Philippians 4:7 (NLT), the Apostle Paul writes, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
This peace is a divine protection that keeps us from being overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, and doubt. It is a peace that surpasses all human understanding and guards us from the inside out.
In Isaiah 26:3 (NLT), we read, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” The key to experiencing this perfect peace is to keep our thoughts fixed on God, trusting in His promises and His sovereignty.
The Greek word for “guard” in Philippians 4:7 is phroureo, which means to protect or keep safe, as in a military guard keeping watch over a city. This word emphasizes the active role of God’s peace in our lives—it is not passive; it is a strong, protective force that stands guard over our hearts and minds.
Think of God’s peace as a fortress that surrounds you, protecting you from the fiery arrows of the enemy. When fear, doubt, and anxiety try to invade your mind, God’s peace stands as a guard, keeping you safe and secure in His love.
Are you allowing God’s peace to guard your heart and mind? Or are you letting the enemy’s lies and fears take root in your thoughts? Choose to fix your thoughts on God, trust in His promises, and let His peace guard you.
III. The Application of Our Peace: Casting Our Cares on God
Finally, the peace that Jesus gives is something we must actively apply in our lives. In 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT), we are instructed, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
This passage calls us to a posture of humility, recognizing that we are not in control, but God is. When we humble ourselves before Him, we are able to cast our worries and anxieties on Him, trusting that He cares for us.
In Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT), Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Jesus is inviting us to exchange our heavy burdens for His light yoke, to lay down our anxieties and take up His peace.
The Greek word for “give” in 1 Peter 5:7 is epiripto, which means to throw upon or cast upon. It implies an active, deliberate action of placing our worries into God’s hands, trusting that He is able to carry them for us.
Picture a person carrying a heavy load on their back, struggling under the weight. But then, someone comes along and offers to take that load off their shoulders. This is what Jesus offers to do for us—He invites us to cast our burdens on Him so that we can experience His peace.
What burdens are you carrying today? What worries and anxieties are weighing you down? Jesus invites you to cast them on Him, to lay them at His feet, and to experience the peace that comes from knowing He cares for you.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the peace that Jesus offers is a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that protects our hearts and minds, and a peace that we must actively apply in our lives. This peace is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of Jesus.
As Rick Warren once said, “You never know God is all you need until God is all you’ve got.” When we find ourselves in situations where everything else fails, we discover that God’s peace is truly all we need.
Call to Action:
This week, I challenge you to seek the peace of Christ in every area of your life. Look to Jesus as the source of your peace, allow His peace to guard your heart and mind, and cast all your cares on Him. Remember, the peace that Jesus gives is a gift—a gift that the world cannot give. So, do not be troubled or afraid. Embrace His peace, and let it rule in your heart. Amen.
