Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9 is a profound declaration from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, specifically part of the Beatitudes. It reveals a core aspect of godly character and its divine reward: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

Context

This verse is nestled within a series of counter-cultural blessings that Jesus pronounced to His disciples and the crowds gathered on the hillside. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of those who are truly blessed by God, often contrasting with the world's understanding of happiness or success. Following blessings for the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger for righteousness, the call to be a peacemaker emphasizes an active, outward expression of a transformed inner life. In a world accustomed to conflict, Roman occupation, and various Jewish factions, Jesus' message elevated peace as a divine virtue, highlighting reconciliation rather than strife.

Key Themes

• Active Peacemaking: The blessing is not for those who merely desire peace or avoid conflict, but for those who actively work to create it. This involves reconciliation, mediating disputes, and fostering harmony. It's about bringing people together and mending broken relationships, mirroring God's own work of reconciliation with humanity.
• Divine Sonship: Peacemakers are promised to be called "the children of God." This signifies more than just a title; it implies a deep resemblance to God's character. God Himself is the ultimate Peacemaker, sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to bring peace between God and humanity (Colossians 1:20). To be a child of God means to reflect His nature and participate in His mission of bringing peace to a fractured world.
• The Nature of True Peace: The peace Jesus speaks of is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being, often understood through the Hebrew concept of shalom. It encompasses wholeness, prosperity, security, and harmony in all relationships.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "peacemakers" is eirenopoioi (εἰρηνοποιοί), a compound word combining eirēnē (peace) and poieō (to make or do). This clearly highlights the active, intentional nature of peacemaking. It's not a passive state but a deliberate and often challenging endeavor. The phrase "children of God" (huioi theou) emphasizes a familial relationship and a shared nature with God, who is Himself the God of peace and has established peace through Christ (Ephesians 2:14).

Practical Application

Being a peacemaker in today's world requires courage and intentionality. It means actively seeking to understand and resolve divisions, whether in homes, workplaces, communities, or even globally. It involves:

• Reconciliation: Taking the initiative to mend broken relationships.
• Mediation: Standing in the gap to help others resolve their conflicts.
• Promoting Harmony: Fostering environments where understanding and mutual respect thrive.
• Living out Christ's Example: As followers of the Prince of Peace, believers are called to embody His peace and share it with others. This blessing encourages believers to be agents of God's reconciliation in a world yearning for true peace.