Peacemaking 2006
I think we all remember Jesus’ beatitude about the peacemakers. Peacemaking is a good thing, therefore, I assume that its opposite is a bad thing.
If I am a peacemaker, then I am (at least in that area) like Jesus.
In what sense was Jesus a peacemaker?
Well, while some might like to think otherwise, I don’t read anything in my Bible about Jesus being a political activist. The extremist Zealot party of the Jews was there waiting for Him, Jesus even had a Zealot as one of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:15). However, Jesus never participated with that party to try to cause political change with Rome. What, then, did Jesus do?
Jesus made peace by example. Though His personal ministry was primarily to the Jews, Jesus included Gentiles in His interactions. He even included the hated (by the Jews) Samaritans. He went to everybody and made it clear that His gospel was for everyone (Mark 16:15).
Jesus made peace by helping. Jesus served. He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Those He helped became His friends and disciples. He founded a community whose faithful members get along with each other. Disagreements are caused because of departures from His teaching. When the Lord’s words are adhered to, unity is the result.
Jesus made peace by teaching. He taught the highest standards of compassion, mercy, forbearance, and forgiveness. He taught us to forget petty grievances as we turn the other cheek. He taught and exemplified second mile service.
Jesus made peace by sacrifice. He gave Himself for our sins. There could be no peace between man and his Maker without what Jesus did on the cross. When we receive the benefits of His sacrifice by faith and obedience, and when we live His principles in our lives: there is peace with God and there is peace with each other.
What contribution am I making to peace? Look at the four areas of Jesus’ life above. Where can I be more like Him?
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9 KJV).
I think we all remember Jesus’ beatitude about the peacemakers. Peacemaking is a good thing, therefore, I assume that its opposite is a bad thing.
If I am a peacemaker, then I am (at least in that area) like Jesus.
In what sense was Jesus a peacemaker?
Well, while some might like to think otherwise, I don’t read anything in my Bible about Jesus being a political activist. The extremist Zealot party of the Jews was there waiting for Him, Jesus even had a Zealot as one of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:15). However, Jesus never participated with that party to try to cause political change with Rome. What, then, did Jesus do?
Jesus made peace by example. Though His personal ministry was primarily to the Jews, Jesus included Gentiles in His interactions. He even included the hated (by the Jews) Samaritans. He went to everybody and made it clear that His gospel was for everyone (Mark 16:15).
Jesus made peace by helping. Jesus served. He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Those He helped became His friends and disciples. He founded a community whose faithful members get along with each other. Disagreements are caused because of departures from His teaching. When the Lord’s words are adhered to, unity is the result.
Jesus made peace by teaching. He taught the highest standards of compassion, mercy, forbearance, and forgiveness. He taught us to forget petty grievances as we turn the other cheek. He taught and exemplified second mile service.
Jesus made peace by sacrifice. He gave Himself for our sins. There could be no peace between man and his Maker without what Jesus did on the cross. When we receive the benefits of His sacrifice by faith and obedience, and when we live His principles in our lives: there is peace with God and there is peace with each other.
What contribution am I making to peace? Look at the four areas of Jesus’ life above. Where can I be more like Him?
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9 KJV).
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