The answer is: Peace

John 14:27

In the Gospel of John, when Jesus speaks of leaving "peace" with his disciples, he isn't just tossing around a nice sentiment. This peace has a depth that transcends mere absence of conflict; it’s an inner tranquility that fundamentally changes how we engage with the world. Unlike conventional understandings of peace—believing everything outside us must align—Jesus highlights a profound, internal stability that endures amidst life's storms.

Interestingly, this moment occurs during the Farewell Discourse, as Jesus prepares his followers for his imminent departure. It’s as if he is handing them not just an idea, but a reality they can cling to when times get tough. He presents it as a gift, contrasting the into-the-face society's transactional view of relationships, highlighting that his peace isn't something dependent on external circumstances.

Now let’s throw in some trivia! The word for “peace” in Hebrew is “Shalom,” which embodies a holistic sense of well-being, not just the absence of war or conflict. In a time when temples were literal politics of survival, peace was literal righteousness.

Moreover, this shiny thread of peace continues, appearing throughout the New Testament. In Paul's letters, for instance, he often greets his audience with a blessing of peace. The ripple effect here tells us that this concept wasn’t just a goodbye to the disciples but a foundation for forming a radical shift in community dynamics—an invitation to live out love, connection, and reconciliation at all times.