5. The Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
Today’s Reading: John 14:15–15:17
Defining Peace
The year is 30 AD, and the Roman Empire rules Judea with an iron fist. The banners claim "Pax Romana" (Roman Peace)—but that peace is kept by fear, violence, and countless crosses lining the roads. In this harsh world, Jesus makes a bold statement: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). But what does peace really mean?
Today, we often think peace means a life without problems. But in the Bible, peace is described as "shalom"—completeness and wholeness in the midst of chaos. We see this in Genesis 1 when God brings order to the dark, chaotic waters to create the world. Peace isn't the absence of chaos; it's finding order and purpose despite it.
When Jesus comforted his disciples in John 14, they were walking through Jerusalem's twisted dark streets toward the Mount of Olives to pray on his final night. Jesus knew betrayal, arrest, and death were waiting for him; chaotic darkness was looming in the shadows, waiting to wrap its fingers around the Light of the World. Yet, instead of focusing on the chaos, he promised them a lasting peace through the Holy Spirit.
Pass the Peace
"The world cannot accept him (Holy Spirit) because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you" (John 14:17).
The world only understands what it can see. That's why many people think peace is simply the absence of trouble. But Jesus offers an inner peace—shalom—despite our circumstances. This kind of peace allows us to recognize Christ even in chaos. It's like the story in Matthew 14 when Jesus walks on water toward the disciples' boat. Peter steps onto the stormy sea, and as long as he focuses on Jesus, he moves forward despite the wind and waves.
Jesus invites us to experience the wholeness he shares with his Father:
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If anyone remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit" (John 15:5).
This peace isn't just for us—it's something we're called to share.
Think about this: When I went out with friends growing up, my parents always said, "You're representing us, so act right." They were correct! How I treated people reflected how my parents raised me. The same is true for us as God's children. Jesus constantly says in this passage, "If you love me, you will obey what I command (John 14:15)." When we experience his peace, we are meant to bring that wholeness to others. But remember that bringing wholeness to a broken world is a fight—a resistance against chaos.
Peace vs. the Beast
Think back to the Roman Empire. John, who recorded Jesus's words, also wrote the Book of Revelation. In it, he describes a "Beast" that symbolizes evil systems in the world—bigotry, selfishness, and corruption. We see that same Beast today in politics, beliefs, and even how we view our neighbors. But choosing Jesus's peace is an act of resistance against the Beast. It's declaring that your citizenship is in God's kingdom, not in the chaos of the world.
By staying connected to the Prince of Peace, we bear the fruit of peace through the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Guarding what you engage in and focusing on Christ not only protects your peace, but it also helps bring the reality of Heaven to Earth and represents your Father well.
*Video was edited and produced by David Tregde. Script and direction by Julius Shumpert.
Mackie, Tim. “This Is Who Experiences the Good Life (According to Jesus) • Visual Commentary.” YouTube, The Bible Project, 4 Mar. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9fR7sHw9Y8.
“John 14-15.” Holy Bible: New International Version, Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, 1984.
Mackie, Tim. “Shalom - Peace.” YouTube, The Bible Project, 17 Nov. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLYORLZOaZE.
Evans, Rachel Held. Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again. Nelson Books, 2018.
