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With this gospel text, we drop right into the middle of a very
intense conversation that Jesus was having with his disciples. Things are
coming to a close very quickly in terms of their time together. Jesus is giving
them final instructions, trying to help them hold steady through what is about
to happen, namely his crucifixion. He is sharing with them how it is they
can keep going with the mission of announcing the kingdom of God to the world
without him there.
So he tells them of the Holy Spirit who will come and fill their
hearts with his love and his power. The Spirit will teach them everything
they need to know. The Spirit will enable them to speak even when they are
threatened. The Spirit will support them and comfort them. And the Spirit
will give them peace. There it is. That beautiful promise of God’s peace
spoken with authority and certainty by Jesus.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not
give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do
not be afraid.” (v. 27) We love that verse. We love that promise. And
we know that it’s true. Those of us who have truly opened our hearts
to the lordship of Jesus Christ have indeed experienced the peace of god that
passes all understanding.
That’s all wonderful. But these disciples were puzzled
about what Jesus was really saying, and soon they would be scared to death
at how God was bringing this all to pass. What these disciples needed to know
and what we need to know even today, is how the promise of peace can last
in our hearts.
During an interview with the great actor, Harrison Ford, the
reporter said, “Mr. Ford you seem to have everything. What’s left?
Is there anything that you still want?” Harrison Ford got kind of a faraway
look in his eyes and then he said, “yes, there is one thing—peace.”
We who confess the name of Jesus Christ believe that we have
an answer to that dilemma. We know that Jesus Christ is the true source of
peace. We have the answer to the world’s quest for peace. What great
news! But has anyone else noticed that very often, even for Christians, real
peace seems as elusive as it ever was? Why is that? If Jesus Christ is the
true source of peace then why aren’t we a lot more peace-filled? And
if peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit who indwells us, then why does
it seem that peace so often escapes God’s people?
Jesus’ promise of peace comes in the midst of a long conversation
about obedience. This is an “if-then” passage. Throughout this teaching
Jesus is saying to his disciples: “If you want this result, then this
is what you must embrace.” (Note verses 15, 21, 23, 31, 15:4, 15:10).
In the midst of all this talk about obedience to the will of
God, that’s when Jesus promises his peace. There is a profound connection
between peace and obedience.
“If you want peace, then you must obey my commands. If
you want peace, then you must abide in my word. If you want peace, then you
must align your life to my teaching.”
Problem is, it seems that very often we want the peace without
the obedience. We want to experience this wonderful rest of spirit, but we
sometimes aren’t very willing to look at why it eludes us.
We can appropriately say to God’s people, “If you
are praying for peace or seeking peace in your life, but are not fully to
align your life with the scriptures, your prayer will not be answered.”
It’s like taking a test at school. You can pray for hours that God will
help you on that test, but unless you align your life to the truth of study
and discipline and understanding the facts, your prayer won’t be worth
much. If you are begging God for peace but there is unforgiveness in your
heart toward another person, peace will elude you because you are not following
the clear command of Jesus to forgive. If you are pleading with God for peace
on Sunday, but Monday through Saturday you’re chasing the dreams and
values of this world, peace will elude you because you are aligning your life
to the values of the kingdom.
It’s a very simple equation. If you want the peace that
Jesus gives, live in the truth. That’s what makes Christianity different
from other religions. In many religious systems the goal is some vague idea
of peace, enlightenment, or well-being, not so with Christianity.
The goal is Jesus. The goal is being like him in mind and spirit,
and peace is result of that Christlikeness.
(for a complete manuscript of this sermon go to www.preachersmagazine.org and click on “Sermons”)