Jesus said in John 14:27, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. The reference shows that there are two types of peace. One is Jesus’ peace which comes from heaven. The other is worldly peace. The two are not the same but separate and distinct. Jesus further says his peace alleys troubled hearts and fears. Jesus suggests that we have the freedom to choose neither to be troubled in heart nor to be afraid because of the assurance of his peace.
Confirmation by angels
It is recorded in Luke 2:14 that the angel who was sent by God to announce the birth of Jesus Christ said together with the multitude of the heavenly host that, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased. This means that God’s peace is assured if he is pleased with any one. In Matthew 17:5 God confirmed at Jesus’ baptism that this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. The peace of God therefore was with Jesus and with whom he so ever wished or upon whom he so ever pronounced.
Intent of angelic statement
The intent of Luke 2:14 is threefold. First, it was an order for peace on earth to all those with whom God was pleased with. Second, it was an assurance that the coming or birth of Jesus will bring peace on earth to those with whom Jesus is pleased. Third, it was a confirmation that God’s peace is among men because of Jesus Christ. All these intents and purposes however described connect Jesus as the nucleus of peace on earth among men. Therefore Jesus and peace are inseparable but one. It also means that without Christ Jesus, there is no peace from heaven.
Jesus’ peace versus worldly peace
Jesus’ peace comes from God the Father in heaven. It is given to Jesus for those who please him. It is not compulsory but subject to our choice upon belief and faith in him. It is inexplicably spiritual and not limited by physical circumstances. Materialism is not necessarily a symbolism of God’s peace. God’s peace is not a tangible but divine asset. Examples are Jesus’ healing, deliverance and life restoration miracles recorded in the bible.
In his lifetime, Jesus instructed his disciples that whenever they entered a house they should bless them by first saying, peace be with this house, Luke 10:5. Jesus after his resurrection appeared to his disciples and assured them on three occasions in John 20:19, 21 and 26 saying, Peace be with you. The disciples experienced this peace even in their respective times of incarcerations and persecutions till their respective deaths. It is this peace that led Paul to write that nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ, Romans 8:35.
Peace of the world is however different. It originates from the world under worldly circumstances which includes money, power and positions of authority. It fades out with its sources, hence it is not permanent. Some of its sources originate from other spiritual beings and rulers of this world including principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, occultism, secret societies, etc. Invariably, such sources are not of God and God does not approve of them. They shall all pass away one day except God’s peace through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Basis for Jesus’ peace
Jesus’ peace comes when he encounters spiritual or physical chaos. In the days of Jesus, the people of Israel were under siege from the Romans. They were therefore hopeful that Jesus as the messiah would liberate them. However Jesus’ peace was to be spiritual, not physical as that of the world. Also according to the prophet Jeremiah, the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately corrupt, Jeremiah 17:9. God’s peace had deserted man. Jesus came to restore the same by reconciling us back to God.
Conflict of statements
Whilst we read of Jesus’s words in John 14:27 that peace I leave with you, he also said in Luke 12:51-53 that do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. He referred to a divided house, a divided family, and a divided relationship. In Matthew 10:34 Jesus is recorded as saying, that I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Jesus’ statement for peace and his reference to division and sword appear contradictory, conflicting and confusing.
To the spiritually minded, there is however no contradiction. Jesus meant that his peace will be achieved through strive. He meant his spiritual peace will be opposed by some people of the world. In a house or a family or relationships, some will oppose his peace whilst others will accept his peace. The opposition may not be peaceful but will result in divisions as if the division is done with a sword. The fact of his peace on those with whom he is pleased will also occasion division, war and pain as if by hurt with a sword. Jesus will not be pleased with everybody and neither will everybody opt for his peace.
Maintaining Jesus’ peace
We are bound to lose Jesus’ peace if we do not maintain it. It is permanent for only those who maintain it. We maintain it by walking close with Jesus, reading and obeying his word, trusting him in all circumstances, focusing on heavenly things rather than earthly gains, sharing God’s word and our faith, loving one another as Christ loved his church and living in peace with all, if possible, Romans 12:18 and being at peace with one another, Mark 9:50. The peace of Christ Jesus be with you always.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, let your peace which passes all understanding rest and abide with me now and for evermore as I seek for a closer walk with you. Amen!!
