阅读经文 

对我来说，英语最吸引人的魅力之一就是它的同音异义字——同音但拼写和意思不同的字。以下这句话就是使用同音异义的一个好例子：“没有（no）耶稣，没有（no）平安 ——认识（know）耶稣，认识（know）平安。”

除了可以用作文化衫或汽车保险杆上所印的标语之外，这句话反映出《圣经》中一个发人深省的真理。在动荡的时代，我们渴望得到平安，但是，若没有耶稣，我们的内心不可能有和谐与安息。

在今天的经文中，耶稣吩咐所有爱祂的人都要遵行祂的教导。认识耶稣和与神相交会直接带来对祂的遵从。圣灵会进入我们生命中，保守我们在耶稣教导的根基上得安息。

耶稣所应许的平安，不仅是希望没有战争，或是希望心情平静那么简单。它带来内心的安宁和谐，这种安宁和谐是建立在救主慈爱属性的基础上。

耶稣所赐的平安带给我们能力，使我们不用感到愁烦或害怕。我们生命中无论发生什么事情，我们仍然有平安，因为我们知道耶稣的爱的能力必然超越这些困境。

To me, one of the fascinating things about the English language is homonyms—words that sound the same but have a different spelling and meaning. A good example of a homonym phrase is in the saying “No Jesus, no peace—know Jesus, know peace.”

Besides being a catchphrase for a t-shirt or bumper sticker, this statement reflects a profound biblical truth. In tumultuous times we long for peace, but without Jesus such inner harmony is impossible.

In today’s passage Jesus calls on all who love him to obey his teaching. This obedience comes as a direct result of knowing Jesus and fellowshipping with him. The Holy Spirit comes into our lives in order to keep us securely grounded in the teaching of Jesus.

The peace that Jesus promises is much more than a wish for an end to war, or even for emotional calm and quiet. Rather, it brings an inner tranquility and harmony rooted in the very essence of our caring Savior.

The power of the peace that Jesus gives us is such that we don’t have to be troubled or scared. Regardless of what may be happening in our lives, we can be at peace because we know that the love of Jesus is always stronger.