Christ Jesus has always been closely associated with peace. When he was born in Bethlehem, angels heralded his birth with the pronouncement of "on earth peace, good will toward men." Prophecy had announced the Saviour as "the Prince of Peace." Toward the end of his earthly career, he left us a very special gift. He said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." Think of it! The same Christly peace that the Master demonstrated throughout his lifetime, he left to us as his legacy.
When the Master left us his peace, he also said, "not as the world giveth, give I unto you." John 14:27. He was not just talking about human peace or the absence of open warfare. Jesus' peace had real substance, was permanent. Whether he faced an angry mob or hypocritical theologians, even during his trial and crucifixion, he remained at peace. A peace went out from him that profoundly influenced those around him.
On one occasion, he and the disciples were out on the Sea of Galilee when they were caught in a storm. This did not frighten the Master; in fact, he was sound asleep in the back of the boat. But when the boat began to fill with water, the disciples became afraid, and they woke the Master. They said to him, in so many words, "Wake up and look at our storm!" But Jesus didn't look at their storm. Instead, he had them look at his peace. He stilled the storm. He restored peace! (See Mark 4:36–41.)
