Some people don’t say, “Good-bye.” They say, “Peace out.”
When Jesus was eating dinner with his friends the night before he died, he gave them his own “peace out” message. He knew he was going to be crucified, so he started giving them the last important information he wanted them to know. Even though it didn’t really sink in for them, he told them, “I’m leaving you peace. I’m giving you my peace. I don’t give you the kind of peace that the world gives. So don’t be troubled or cowardly” (John 14:27).
Jesus knew that these disciples’ lives were about to get really hard. They were going to be laughed at, thrown in jail, mocked, beaten, and even put to death because of their faith in him. So he was telling them, “I’m giving you my peace, God’s peace, which is a strong peace. Don’t be afraid; don’t hide when you’re afraid people will think you’re a dork for talking about God or maybe when you stand up to your friends to tell them to stop picking on others. You have this same peace. The peace that Jesus gives is a strong peace. It makes you brave, even when you feel like hiding.
Dear everlasting Father and Prince of peace, you are the Lord of peace. Give us your peace at all times. Let your peace control us. Give us the strength to use your peace when people make fun of us for our faith or when we’re tempted to hide our faith in you. Amen.
