The Significance of Shalom: Finding Peace in Turbulent Times

John 14:27

Shalom

“What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened.

Complete Jewish Bible

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

King James Bible

Sometimes, things are lost in translation.  

When I hear "Peace" in English, I think of lack, strife, or war.  This is Peace in the way the world gives.  The Peace that Jesus was referring to in John 14:27 is deeper.  

 It is truly Shalom, and not just any Shalom, it is Jesus's Shalom.  Shalom in Hebrew means "wholeness", or "completeness".  It is not dependent on a lack of civil unrest. It goes to the very core of your being.  It is there despite whatever is going on around you, there is a wholeness, a completeness, a feeling that all is unfolding according to God's perfect plan.

The context of this one verse precedes the most difficult series of events that would happen in the history of the world.  Jesus, Yeshua, the ONLY SON of the One True God, who became human, was born of a virgin, led a perfect life, was a friend, a Rabbi, a healer, a miracle worker, a teacher was about to be led like a lamb to slaughter to the cross and become the perfect sacrifice, the perfect atonement.  He would rise from the dead just a few days after that and then ascend into heaven and prepare for his eventual return which we, as Christians and Messianic Jews, are waiting for.  We know it is coming.  He said it wouldn't be long, but 2000 years later we are still waiting for the prophetic series of events to finally be fulfilled and his kingdom will reign forever.  But, I digress.  Let's return to the scene at hand.

We are in the midst of Jesus' final meal with his followers.  It is Passover.  He has washed the feet of his disciples, and announced Judas as his betrayer, Judas has left to seal the deed.  We are getting ready for the big event and Jesus is bringing his closest inner circle ready for the terror to come.  If there was any way to get them ready for what was about to occur, this is it.  

His disciples, like us, don't understand what is about to occur fully.  They didn't see the events of the next few days and how all would be changed.  During this discussion, Jesus tells them that when he goes, he will send the Comforter (Holy Spirit), but in verse 27  he says the most amazing thing, He is leaving them HIS PEACE.  The peace that surpasses all understanding.  The peace that will be with them even as they are rejected and martyred for him.  The peace will help them to overcome their fear.  To fulfill God's plan for them.

We are living in very difficult times.  We don't know how things will be in a week, a month, or a year. Everything seems to be falling apart.

 But Jesus tells us to not be afraid.  He has given us HIS SHALOM.  His Peace. Scripture tells us the ending. No matter what we must endure to get there, He will be with us covering us with HIS SHALOM. (If we let him)