At his farewell to the disciples, Jesus does not offer a pious wish but rather he leaves them with a precious gift. His peace may become theirs. Just imagine: people of flesh and blood may partake of this heavenly peace! That peace is very different from the peace that the world can offer. The peace of the world is so fragile and temporary, but the peace Jesus gives is steadfast and eternal. We can only marvel at this and gratefully accept it. After all, the apostle Paul—because he was initially a persecutor of Jesus—was also allowed to share in this. He therefore writes enthusiastically about this peace: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
(Philippians 4:7, see also Romans 5:1; Colossians 3:15).
Jesus adds another exhortation to this gift: Do not be troubled or afraid.
Do not be disconcerted by the contradictions of people and your own limited abilities. We so desperately need this exhortation from Jesus. We lose the courage and boldness to be witnesses of our Saviour Jesus sooner than we often think. Peter will even deny knowing Jesus in just a few hours (John 18:17, John 18:25–27). How good it was that Jesus personally sought out his fearful disciple immediately after his resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:5—where Cephas is another name for Peter) and, just before his ascension, pointed out his task and qualified him for it (John 21:15–19). That is how good a shepherd Jesus is for his sheep. He truly means it when he shares his peace with us.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.