The Free Gift

Scripture Reading for Today - John 14:1-27 (NIV)

Devotional Focus:

John 14:27 (NIV), “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.”

I love receiving free gifts! I will take surveys, complete forms, respond to emails that say I will receive free gifts if I am one of the first 1,000 to respond, and I will even make sure my purchase meets the required amount to receive the special offer free gift, LOL! I have a suspicion that I am not alone in this desire to receive free items. I'm sure like me, many of you also like to receive free gifts. This personal reflection on my love for free gifts caused me to think about how we have many gifts from God that have been given to us freely, yet, we miss out on receiving them. The gift of peace is one of those gifts that has been given to us freely, yet many are still void of peace in their lives. I am hopeful this devotional reflection today will help encourage you to embrace your gift of peace.

For just a moment, let’s take a look back at the scene from the Last Supper. This passage is an excerpt from a conversation between Jesus and the twelve disciples following their dinner together. In the very beginning of John chapter 14, Jesus shared with the group to not be troubled because belief in him would bring them into eternal relationship with God. After making his opening statement to them to remain calm, it seemed as if the disciples were anything but calm. It’s like when someone starts a conversation by saying, “don’t worry, everything is going to be okay” people begin to automatically assume things are not okay. A leading statement that tries to calm you before you know the details of what is happening or about to take place, in most cases, causes alarm in people regarding the unknown. This was the case for the disciples, and is often the reaction for many of us in this day and time when we are approached about a situation in a similar manner. 

Because of their continued questions and apparent expressions of fear, Jesus informs them of the gift of peace he will leave with them. This was one of the things that would be inherited by the loyal disciples of Jesus according to his last will and testament. The next line of Jesus’ statement, regarding their inheritance of peace, is the most profound because we learn that the gift is not like what you would receive according to the world’s standards. We could interpret what Jesus was saying to mean that the gifts or inheritance received from the world are, for the most part, tangible. Tangible gifts you may receive through inheritance, a house, a car, clothes, a watch or furniture, are all nice gifts to receive. And although some have long-lasting value, they are not guaranteed to last forever. However, the gift of peace is an intangible gift that can remain with you always. 

This gift is not just any peace, but Jesus said “my peace” I leave with you. Jesus qualified what type of peace you will receive from him. The type of peace Jesus operated with was not a generic kind of peace, but would be the peace that has the ability to surpass all understanding. The peace that Jesus had kept him calm when he and his disciples encountered a raging storm and he spoke peace to it and walked on top of the water that had threatened to overtake them and their boat. The peace that Jesus possessed allowed him to remain at ease while knowing those closest to him would betray him. The peace that Jesus had kept him focused on God even when death on the cross was inevitable. And Jesus has gifted that same peace to us. 

Closing Prayer: Dear God, thank you for bringing me comfort during critical times. Your peace helps to calm the raging storms in my life. Because of you, I am not consumed by fear and I can face the days ahead knowing that you have given me the gift of peace. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Day 2 Reflection: How are you handling these critical times? Are you ready to embrace the gift of Christ’s peace for your life?