The Blessed Life: Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (5:9)

Introduction

The beatitudes are a reflection of Jesus himself, the very heart of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Technically, this is the last of the Jesus qualities. These 7 characteristics that demonstrate the work of the spirit in our lives, those that prove our commitment to Christ.

This is probably not going to go the way you expected. So far, as we have journeyed through these beatitudes, we have been challenged in our hearts (motives, ambitions), our minds (though processes, decision-making), and our actions. These beatitudes, if you’ve not figured it out yet, run contrary to the world around us operates.

Jesus says blessed are the gentle, the humble, and those who desire righteousness;

The world says happy are the tough, the arrogant, and those who want the world.

To fall in line with them is to align oneself with the Spirit of God.

Our concept of peacemaking will be challenged today as well

OT Jews and the followers of Christ would have struggled with this one, for God had not revealed himself in the area of “peace” like we see in the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Peacemakers

Peace is an agreement or harmony between people, groups.

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament εἰρηνοποιός

denotes the establishment of peace and concord between men

Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words εἰρηνοποιός

one who cultivates peace and concord,

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 8: Matthew, Mark, Luke 1) The Beatitudes (5:3–10)

Our peacemaking will include the promulgation of that gospel. It must also extend to seeking all kinds of reconciliation. Instead of delighting in division, bitterness, strife, or some petty “divide-and-conquer” mentality, disciples of Jesus delight to make peace wherever possible. Making peace is not appeasement: the true model is God’s costly peacemaking

Jesus came as the ultimate peacemaker: making peace between God and man. By his sacrifice, he removed the contention due to sin.

Children of God—i.e., us—should be peacemakers after Christ.

Sons of God

Conclusion

What Jesus is speaking of is not pacifism—the firm resistance of war and advocate for non-violence.

Peace is different.