Jesus was speaking words of comfort to his disciples who were likely very anxious about all Jesus had been telling them. The situation of this discourse was the Thursday night before Jesus was to die. He promises peace but in two interesting ways. First he “leaves” his peace or shalom with them as a comforting presence, perhaps alluding to the Comforter/Counselor/Helper, the Holy Spirit. And then in the same sentence, Jesus “gives” peace to the disciples is the way someone gives a gift. This is the same Greek verb that we find in John 3:16, where God “gave” his only Son. Not only was Jesus leaving the Comforter with them, but it was a gift. The fact that this conversation occurred surrounding the meal and the washing of feet serves to remind us of the sacramental nature of the “leaving and the giving” of his peace. Perhaps we experience the leaving of his peace and the gift of his peace through the bread and the cup. They can be as reminders to us when we feel afraid. And we can trust in his comforting words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27c, NIV).  Blessings, Pastor Bob Lee