Imagine a quiet house where the kids are finally behaving. Or a nation where we can leave our doors unlocked with no fear of violent crime. Or a mind that has finally stopped barraging you with anxious, self-humiliating thoughts. The bottom line is this: we all long for peace. We all long for things to settle down and give us a respite from all the chaos and uncertainty that weary us so much. Where in the world can such peace be found?
To a table full of disciples who were bewildered at Jesus saying he would leave them alone soon, the promise of the peace of Jesus was much-needed. This was not at all the kind of peace that the world tries to produce—and it tries hard indeed. In fact all of the billions who attempt to find peace without relying wholly on Jesus will fail every single time, because Jesus really is the foundation of every flourishing life. But the peace that Jesus gives sets the world aright. The peace of Jesus calms every storm, satisfies every soul, and endures for eternity.
There are three reasons for peace that Jesus promises in this passage. First, his Holy Spirit was sent to help the disciples preserve Jesus’ teachings for the church to keep for years to come. Our hope in the promises of God’s Word has not dwindled, because God himself is still with us. Second, Jesus is with the Father. Though we might like him to still be with us, he is in his eternal home, and all things are working out to his plan, under his control, to ultimately bring us home as well. And third, though the devil prowls and holds power over the whole world and schemes to twist all creation against its God, the devil has no power over Christ. No matter what Satan does, what the Father commands of his Son will come to pass; perfect peace is coming.
What this world desperately needs is the peace of God. No other peace will suffice! Every trouble and every fear we ever have is answered in the restoration of God, his presence with us, or his reassurance that in the last day he will make all things new. Be at peace and believe that Christ will be true to his every promise. He has given us his perfect, everlasting peace.
