27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Let not your heart be troubled,
The apostles were alarmed at Jesus’ statement that He was about to leave them. Jesus’ words here are almost exactly the same as those of verse 1. The peace that He leaves frees a person from subjective fear. Faith in God’s plan alleviates the believer of his fear. There is a freedom from anxiety (a form of fear) when we present our problems to God (Php 4:6,7).
neither let it be afraid [cowardly, timid].
The believer can “let” himself or herself become timid. The word “afraid” here is not the normal word for fear; it is the word cowardly. If we rest on the assurance Christ gives us, we need not let fear grip our souls in challenging situations. The apostles would need courage after Jesus’ departure back to the Father.
PRINCIPLE:
Jesus’ peace transcends any that the world can afford.
APPLICATION:
Jesus’ offer of peace to the apostles was not some placid tranquility to avoid conflict that might come into one’s life. He was very candid about trouble that lay ahead for them (Jn 16:32-33). His offer of peace was not freedom from duress and danger; rather, He affords poise in the middle of difficult circumstances.
The peace that comes from Jesus is independent of circumstances and transient values. His peace transcends what we can do for ourselves. It does not rest on personal power, prestige, acquisitions, excitement, or health but on God’s providential working in our lives.
This is quite a legacy to leave with us. Jesus’ life and crucifixion left a wealth of operating benefits for living the Christian life. He will not leave us destitute during times of trouble.
