John 14:27–The Last Legacy of Christ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Have you ever received a legacy? A sum of money perhaps, or a piece of property? It is very common for parents to leave such things behind for their children. The way in which this is generally done is in a will, a written document in which a person makes arrangements for the disposal of his possessions, to take place after his death. It is good to receive material blessings. Today few in our society lack for these. However there are some blessings which are far more precious than any amount of earthly wealth. One of them is spoken of here. It is something we all need and something every believer has. It is peace. These words of Christ are spoken in the upper room following the last supper. They are spoken to a small band of fearful disciples. They are anxious because their Lord is finally to leave them. “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more” (v.19). Their concern is that they will lose not only His physical presence but also His spiritual influence. Their Master has given them a great work to do in preaching the gospel – but how shall they do it without His presence? There is the threat of trouble and persecution: had not the Lord said, “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matt.10:16)? Here the Lord Jesus ministers to the disciples’ needs, and our needs as believers too. He knows our condition and how weak we are in the face of trials and temptations. In those wonderful words in Hebrews, “we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (4:15). So here He leaves them a precious legacy of peace. The peace of Christ is a personal peace. To wish peace is a common form of greeting among men when they meet. But here Christ’s words are more than a greeting. He is soon to leave the disciples, but He is leaving them His peace. “My peace I give unto you.” This peace is nothing less than the peace of God. Peace with God was purchased by Christ’s blood, shed for sinners. The death of Christ brings about reconciliation with God for all who believe. It removes the enmity which exists between God and men on account of sin. The peace of God flows from peace with God and is produced by Christ’s Spirit, sent into our hearts. His work is to renew our nature and to sprinkle the blood of atonement upon our conscience. Trusting in Christ and His infinite merits, growing in the grace of God and assured of His love, we find that we are blessed with an inner calm. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Rom.15:13). The peace of Christ is a permanent peace. It is “not as the world giveth.” When God speaks peace to His people it is forever. He will not go back on His word. Leaders of nations have often met, publicly embraced and made promises to each other. Within months they have been at war! The same is true at the individual level. It may even be so within the church. Look no further than that false disciple of our Lord’s own day, Judas Iscariot. A professed friend, he became a traitor. His words were not sincere. He appeared in Gethsemane at the head of a mob and approached Christ. Jesus said: “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48). It is also true that the world often greatly desires to see peace, but cannot produce it. We think of the seemingly endless conflict between Jew and Arab. Resolutions may be passed, envoys sent and treaties signed, but peace seems as elusive as ever. Only the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, can reconcile warring peoples by first reconciling them as sinners to God. The peace of Christ is a powerful peace. Jesus tells His disciples: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This is very precious to the Lord’s people. Jesus does not promise us peace instead of war, but peace in the midst of war. Believers are engaged in spiritual conflict and this may be very severe. Yet just as Christ once said to the wild wind and stormy sea, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), so He is able to calm our souls in every situation. Do you know this legacy of Christ? It belongs to every true believer who is walking with the Lord. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isa.26:3). May you as a sinner find peace through faith in the mighty Saviour, Jesus Christ.