Disciples of Jesus Are Peacemakers

The beatitudes listed in Matthew chapter 5 paint a picture of a very different life for a follower of Christ. In a sense, it is what real Christianity should look like and it is very different from the world view of life values. I want to pick up on the idea of peace maker today.

Matt 5:9-12

“Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called the children of God." (Matt 5:9)

My mum said to me many years ago that she thought I was a good diplomat, able to bring people together over issues. Maybe when you think of ‘peace maker’ you think of diplomacy, particularly in the current context of wars in Gaza and Ukraine. There is certainly a need for this diplomacy. But the peace making that Jesus speaks of, is the cessation of conflict between God and creation marred by sin. In Romans 8:7 it says:

“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile (enmity against God) to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”

Sin has placed us at war with God. We rebel and want to self-rule our life, so we don’t submit. But through Jesus, we have found peace, we have experienced grace and forgiveness, and are now called his children. We live out this truth of grace and are bearers of the message of the grace. So, his children are “peace makers” by sharing the pathway of peace through Christ.

This message is one of great hope and power to change not only a life but all of creation. Some will respond with thanks and find this peace. And others will persecute and insult us because they don’t want peace with God. They don’t want to give up their autonomy.

Peace makers can rejoice and be glad, for they know God’s peace and love. Peace makers endure because they know truth and are secure in their identity as God’s children. Peace makers continue to share the gospel, because they know it is the only hope for all of creation.

God bless

Pastor Stephen