“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
(Matthew 5:9)
Those aren’t just random words—they’re spoken by Jesus, the divine Son of the one true God. If we know what’s good for us, we’d be wise to listen and start doing what He says.
But what does He mean when He says “peacemakers.”
What Peace Does Not Mean
Let’s just start out by looking at two things that so obviously not what Jesus is talking about that it is comical.
Jesus was not talking about the Colt Peacemaker, a revolver invented in 1872 by Samuel Colt. While it may have been “The Gun That Won the West,” and while some have engraved this verse on the weapon, we can be fairly certain Jesus wasn’t referring to a revolver that wouldn’t exist for another 2,000 years.
Jesus was also not referring to law enforcement officers or the military. Though they ideally promote civic peace—and though some proudly wear “Blessed are the peacemakers” as a tattoo—Jesus did not advocate bringing peace through military force. In fact when Peter pulls out his sword to protect Jesus during His arrest, Jesus said “Put your sword back in its place… for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Similarly, when stating before pilate Jesus said “”My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”
It is also clear that Jesus was not talking about peace at all costs. God the Father had instilled Solomon with wisdom to write the words, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: … a time for war, and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8). Jesus Himself used figurative language to explain the divisive nature of the gospel by saying, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). Similarly, while Jesus exemplified loving kindness in much of His walk on earth, He could also be fiercely direct, especially when confronting sin and hypocrisy of the Jewish religious leaders of His time (Matthew 23) and purging the temple with a scourge of cords. The apostle Paul did the same…he called out false teachers by name (2 Timothy 2:17; Acts 13:10) and encouraged others to do the same (Titus 1:10–11).
What Does Peace Mean?
Matthew 5:9 is part of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12), which is a section at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount that emphasizes spiritual attitudes and characteristics that will leave us blessed or prospered by God. Many of these beatitudes are prescriptions for failure in worldly kingdoms, but they are requisites to enter the kingdom of heaven. They do not focus on the physical (wealth, beauty, power, fame, etc), but rather the heart towards God.
Likewise, the term “peacemaker” in verse 9 is focused on the spiritual, not merely the social or political. While there are many verses that promote peace between nations (Proverbs 20:3; Luke 14:31), as well as between people (Proverbs 17:14; James 3:16-17), this verse seems to be focused on peace between God and Man. This whole sermon (Matthew 5–7) draws a division between God’s way and the world’s way. It concludes by clarifying that we need to build our lives on His teaching if we want to enter the kingdom of heaven (chapter 7).
In regards to spiritual matters, Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker, this is surely why He called “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and why the angels proclaimed “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” when announcing His birth as the savior (Luke 2:14).
Why This Peace is Needed
We need the peace because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Those sins separate us from God, and keep us from having peace with him (Isaiah 59:1-2…8). In our sinful condition we are in conflict with God…Deserving of punishment and wrath (James 4:4; Ephesians 2:1-3).
We can’t do anything to deserve peace, but God in His grace and mercy, offers peace and reconciliation through the Christ His Son (Colossians 1:19-20), we are justified by our obedient faith in Him (Romans 5:1).
How Do We Become Peacemakers?
So, how do we do it? How can we be peacemakers if peacemakers help others to be reconciled to God through Christ?
First and foremost, we need to make sure we understand God’s plan for peace. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16)…it is the only way to find peace with God. With this in mind we need to get to know it intimately.
Next we need to make sure we are doing our best to obey God’s plan for peace rather than arguing against it …even when it’s difficult (see James 1:19). Doing so will not only help to ensure that our soul is at peace with God, it will also show those around us that we genuinely have faith in God’s Plan.
As we live out God’s plan for Peace, it will raise questions. With this, in mind we need to be ready and willing to make the most of the opportunity to teach and share the Hope that God offers (1 Peter 3:15). If we keep the peacemaking hope of the gospel to ourselves out of fear, insecurity, or laziness, we aren’t the peacemakers we ought to be. We are depriving ourselves and others of the blessings and prosperity of God.
Final Thoughts
I hope you want to be a peacemaker!
I hope you are working diligently to bring peace not with some manmade weapon, but with the sword of the spirit (Micah 4:3; Eph 6:17). Sure, we should pray that our civil leaders govern in a way that encourages a peace among nations that allows us to teach others of the most important peace with God (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Sure we should strive for peace with all men, especially our brethren in Christ (Romans 12:18). But if you want the eternal blessings only God can give, seek peace with Him through Christ (Ephesians 2:13-18).
If you want this peace, we’d like to help!
