![]() ![]() ![]() For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. In his letters, Paul the Apostle reinforces this message of peace, writing: “ Blessed are the peacemakers,” He famously said in His Sermon on the Mount, “for they will be called children of God” ( Matthew 5:9). On the contrary, He encouraged the Jews to live in peace. Rather, they wanted a warrior-king who would lead a revolt against the Romans and reestablish the glory Israel once knew by force.īut Jesus did not encourage violence against Rome. They were not looking for a peaceful ruler. The name “Prince of Peace” also helps to explain the shock the Israelites felt when Jesus identified Himself as the Messiah. In fact, His was not a kingdom founded on the bloodshed of others but on the shedding of His own blood on the cross. While human rulers established and maintained their reigns by violence, Jesus established and maintained His reign through peace. The title “Prince of Peace” also sets Jesus apart from the human rulers whose reigns depended on bloody conquest. He is the One in whom we can find rest, safety, tranquility, prosperity, and so on. Jesus, therefore, as Prince of Peace, encapsulates all meanings of shalom. In Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah prophesies of the Messiah, whom he refers to as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The word Isaiah uses for Peace is shalom, a Hebrew word that has a wide array of meanings, including completeness, wholeness, rest, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, fullness, harmony, lack of worry, the absence of agitation or discord, etc. The Prince of Peace: A Biblical Background As Peter the Apostle advises, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” ( 1 Peter 5:7). Take a deep breath, drawing in the peace of Jesus, willing to carry your every burden on His shoulders, and now exhale, breathing out all your worries. So, friend, taking the advice of the Lord of Peace, let not your heart be troubled. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” ( John 14:27). In His own reassuring words, Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you my peace I give you. He is the Sovereign Lord who always brings calm and rest to disconcerted souls and whose loving presence is a constant reminder that peace is never far. ![]() But, lucky for us, ours is the God who is the “Prince of Peace” ( Isaiah 9:6). ![]()
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