What Does Peace Look Like?

Did Jesus’ birth bring peace on earth?

The angels clearly proclaimed peace on earth - Luke 2:14

Luke 2:14 NIV

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

It is also clear that the immediate environment was not peaceful.

After the wise men visited the young child, Jesus, one of the most violent actions in history took place.

Herod ordered the killing of all boys under two years old in Bethlehem - Matthew 2:13-18

Matthew 2:13–18 NIV

13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

This is completely consistent with Jesus’ instructions to His disciples:

We will have conflict in our lives - John 16:33

John 16:33 NIV

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

So what does Biblical peace look like?

Biblical peace is a restored relationship with God - Romans 5:1

Romans 5:1 NIV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Because of our sins, we are at enmity with God - Romans 5:10

Romans 5:10 NIV

10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

We are completely reconciled to God because of the death of Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

2 Corinthians 5:17–19 NIV

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

We cannot know peace in any way until we truly have peace with our God

Biblical peace is inner peace in the midst of trials

Remember Jesus had promised both peace and trouble in our lives

Jesus promised a different peace - John 14:27

John 14:27 NIV

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

God provides us with peace in times of anxiety - Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4:6–7 NIV

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Our peace is directly dependent on our relationship with God - Isaiah 26:3-4

Isaiah 26:3–4 NIV

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Biblical peace extends to our personal relationships

Jesus established the importance of peacemaking - Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9 NIV

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

God calls us to make peace in our daily lives - Romans 12:17-18

Romans 12:17–18 NIV

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

This is the peace that Jesus brings:

Because of Jesus’ coming we can have peace with God

Because of Jesus’ coming we have the assurance of His presence bringing inner peace

Because of Jesus’ coming we are challenged to bring peace to all of our relationships