The answer is: Peace

John 14:27

In the Gospel of John, particularly in chapter 14, Jesus shares a deeply comforting promise with his disciples: he leaves them peace. Amidst an atmosphere thick with anxiety and uncertainty, he recognizes their fear and desire for reassurance as they face the turbulent realities ahead. It’s interesting to note that the kind of peace Jesus speaks of transcends mere absence of conflict or worry—it’s a profound sense of wholeness and fulfillment that comes from residing in a relationship with the divine.

What’s more, this moment encapsulates a pivotal theme repeated throughout the teachings in John—it’s about an inner state of being that isn’t swayed by external circumstances. In a world obsessed with fleeting reassurance, Jesus's peace stands as a beacon of stability. The word used for peace here in Greek is “eirene,” echoing the Hebrew “shalom,” which goes beyond tranquility to signify total wellness—spiritual harmony, moral integrity, and social justice.

This moment foreshadows the ministry of the early Christians, who embraced this peace, as they connected with people from different walks of life after Jesus's earthly journey. Trivia alert: Did you know that peace also wound its way into other figures of the Bible? For instance, in Micah 5:5, it is said that one would come as a “peace-bringer.” Thus, this theme of peace is foundational across the scriptures! So when Jesus states he offers peace, he immersed it within a magnificent tapestry woven throughout history.