Peace is one of the most treasured gifts we can receive, especially in a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and challenges. Jesus knew that His disciples would face difficulties, trials, and moments of fear, so He left them with something invaluable—His peace. In John 14:26-28, Jesus speaks words of comfort:
“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 said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (NASB)
Here, Jesus promises His peace—a peace that is unlike anything the world can offer. It is a peace that transcends our understanding, a divine peace that flows from His presence through the Holy Spirit. As we dive into this Bible study, we will discover four ways we can nurture this serene path of peace that Jesus has given us.
1. Peace Through the Helper: The Holy Spirit
In verse 26, Jesus introduces us to the Helper, the Holy Spirit. He reassures the disciples that when He leaves, He will not abandon them. Instead, He will send the Holy Spirit to be their guide, comforter, and source of divine peace. The Holy Spirit helps us remember Jesus' teachings and enables us to apply those teachings in our daily lives.
Application
To nurture peace in your life, lean on the Holy Spirit. Recognize that the Spirit is your constant companion, teaching you, reminding you of God’s promises, and empowering you to walk in peace. Whenever you feel troubled, pause and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His peace and wisdom. The Holy Spirit is here to help you navigate life’s uncertainties and lead you back to the peace that Jesus promised.
2. Peace as a Divine Gift
Jesus declares, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). This is not just any kind of peace—it is His peace. The peace that Christ gives is rooted in His divine nature. It is steady, unshakable, and cannot be taken away by the world’s circumstances. Unlike the world’s fleeting peace, which is dependent on external factors, Jesus’ peace is an eternal gift that rests in His sovereignty.
Application
To nurture this peace, embrace it as a divine gift. Don’t look for peace in worldly achievements, material possessions, or human relationships. Instead, focus on the peace that comes from knowing Jesus, the Prince of Peace. When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, remind yourself that Jesus has given you His peace, and it is yours to claim, no matter what happens around you.
3. Peace Beyond Fear and Trouble
Jesus continues by saying, “Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). Fear and anxiety often rob us of peace. Jesus understood that the disciples would face many challenges that could shake their hearts, yet He commanded them not to let fear take root. The peace He offers is strong enough to overcome fear, anxiety, and worry.
Application
To nurture peace in the face of fear, practice surrendering your anxieties to God. When fear begins to creep in, choose to trust in God’s power and presence. Speak verses like Philippians 4:6-7 over your life, which remind you to bring all your worries to God in prayer. As you release your fears to Him, His peace will guard your heart. Develop a habit of casting your cares upon the Lord daily, trusting that He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
4. Peace Through Remembering Jesus’ Promise of His Return
In John 14:28, Jesus comforts His disciples with the assurance of His return. He tells them, “You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’” Knowing that Jesus will return brings us peace because it reminds us that this world, with all its struggles, is not our final home. We have a hope that extends beyond the present—an eternal peace that will be fully realized when we are with Jesus forever.
Application
To nurture peace, keep your eyes on eternity. When the troubles of this world seem overwhelming, remember that Jesus is coming back. This hope should fill us with peace, knowing that God’s ultimate plan will be fulfilled. Meditate on the promises of Jesus’ return, and let them encourage you to live with peace and hope each day. As we await His return, we can walk confidently in the peace He has already given us.
As we reflect on John 14:26-28, we are reminded that peace is not something we have to earn or search for—it is a precious gift from Jesus, given to us through the Holy Spirit. His peace is divine, unshakable, and available to us in every situation. We don’t have to live in fear, anxiety, or confusion because the Lord of peace has left us His peace. The more we lean on the Holy Spirit, embrace the gift of peace, cast our fears on God, and look forward to Jesus’ return, the more we will walk in the serene path of peace that He has prepared for us.
Let us cherish and nurture this peace, knowing that it is our inheritance as children of God. In Christ, we can experience a peace that passes all understanding—a peace that carries us through every trial and gives us hope for the future.