Text:          Matthew 5:9

By:              John Sanni

Download Lesson

 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” 

INTRODUCTION

Jesus, sitting on the Mount of Beatitudes, taught a radical new way of life.

In a world filled with Roman oppression, religious tension, racial division, and political hostility, He announced a kingdom marked not by violence, pride, or power, but by peace; the kind of peace that surpasses human understanding. 

DEFINING THE KEY TERMS

Blessed (Makarios)

This does not mean “feeling happy.” Biblical blessedness is a state of deep joy rooted in God—independent of circumstances

Peace (Eirēnē)

From a root meaning to join or bind together.

True biblical peace is wholeness, harmony, and restoration—not the mere absence of conflict. It is peace with God and peace from God.

Peacemaker (Eirēnopoios)

A peacemaker is “one who actively works to restore orderliness in a disordered or chaotic situation,” not one who avoids problems.

• initiating reconciliation
• restoring broken relationships
• mediating conflict
• speaking truth in love 

WHAT PEACEMAKING IS NOT

Peace-making is not weakness. It is not silence. It is not pretending.
It is the active work of reconciling people to God and one another.

❌ Peace-faking

Pretending everything is fine while sin rots beneath. “‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14).

❌ Peace-breaking

Stirring conflict through gossip, pride, unforgiveness. 

❌ Peace-avoiding

Refusing to confront wrongdoing out of fear. 

WHAT TRUE PEACEMAKING LOOKS LIKE

Peacemakers Reflect God

Peacemakers reconcile like God reconciles. They seek restoration, not victory.

Peacemakers Take Initiative

Jesus says, “Leave your gift… first be reconciled” (Matthew 5:23–24, Romans 12:18). Peacemakers do not wait for others—they act.

Peacemakers Tell the Truth in Love

Peace built on lies or avoidance is false peace (Jeremiah 6:14).

Peace must be anchored in righteousness (Psalm 85:10).

Peacemakers Work to Heal Broken People

• They mediate disputes (Philippians. 4:2–3)
• They restore gently (Galatians 6:1)
• They forgive deeply (Matthew 18:21–22)

Peacemakers Carry Inner Peace

You cannot give what you do not have: “The peace of God… will guard your hearts” (Philippians 4:7).

WHY PEACEMAKING MATTERS TO GOD

God Himself is the Ultimate Peacemaker

• “Having made peace through the blood of His son on the cross” (Colossians 1:20).
• “God has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).

He fixes what sin has broken. When we make peace, we join Him in His redemptive work.

Peace is central to the Kingdom

Jesus came preaching repentance in a fractured society. In the Church, there has to be a peaceful atmosphere devoid of fights and anger to render an acceptable worship with unity of purpose.

• The Zealots wanted war.
• The Pharisees trusted rituals.
• The Sadducees compromised for power.
• Jesus offered peace—with God and one another.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF PEACEMAKERS 

• Abraham – gave Lot the first choice of land to avoid strife.
• Moses – repeatedly interceded for Israel, even when attacked.
• Abigail – prevented David from shedding blood.
• Barnabas – reconciled Paul to the Jerusalem church.
• Esther—Mediated for her people, ready to die if need be
• Jesus Christ – the Prince of Peace who reconciles humanity to God.

BLESSINGS FOR PEACEMAKERS

Jesus promises two great rewards.

Identity: “They shall be called sons of God” Sons of God (Huioi Theou)

In Jewish thought, to be called a “son” means to bear the character of the father.

Thus, God calls peacemakers His “sons” because they look like Him; the supreme Peacemaker.

To be a peacemaker is to look like your Father.

God calls you His child because:

• You reflect His nature
• You carry His character
• You advance His mission
• You embody His heart for reconciliation

Peacemakers resemble God more than warriors, or miracle-workers.

Peace Within and Peace Around

Peacemakers enjoy:

• Inner serenity (Isaiah 26:3)
• Answered prayers
• Stronger relationships
• Influence and respect
• The joy of God’s approval

“They influence their world for Christ.” 

PRACTICAL WAYS TO LIVE AS A PEACEMAKER TODAY

✔ Forgive quickly and genuinely

✔ Avoid gossip, slander, and backbiting

✔ Speak gently but truthfully

✔ Pray for people who hurt you

✔ Bring warring parties together

✔ Model calmness in tense situations

✔ Promote unity in the church and family

✔ Walk away from unnecessary drama

✔ Refuse to return evil for evil

✔ Build bridges across tribes, genders, classes, and generations

“Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in the midst of it. 

CONCLUSION: THE CALL TO PEACEMAKING

• Peace-making is not optional.
• It is not for “soft” believers.
• It is not for extroverts or ministers or elders alone.
• It is the mark of a true child of God.
• Through Christ, God made peace with us.
• Now He sends us into a broken world as ambassadors of peace.

 

Peacemakers are the closest resemblance of Jesus the world will ever see.

Before a man can be a vessel of peace to the world, he must first be at peace with himself. Many Christians live in silent conflict—battling guilt, regret, shame, and unforgiveness toward themselves.

They seek to reconcile others but carry unresolved wars within their souls.

True peace-making flows from a heart that has embraced the peace Christ purchased on the cross.

The enemy’s strategy is to trap believers in self-condemnation, because a wounded conscience cannot effectively minister healing to others.

Yet Scripture reminds us: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

Download Lesson