Among the most controversial verses in the Bible is the book of Mathew, where Jesus notes that he did not come on earth to bring peace but a sword. This is controversial mostly because he is referred to a few times in the Bible as the prince of peace, meaning that he is the epitome of peace. However, did he really come to bring peace? Did Jesus come to bring peace?
The Bible clearly states that Jesus is the prince of peace and thus came on earth to bring peace. However, the peace he brought is not between the world and us but between God and us. Through his death, he reconciled us with God so that we could enjoy a perpetually peaceful relationship with him.
So, what does it mean that Jesus is the prince of peace? What does it mean that Jesus himself is our peace? Where in the Bible does it say Jesus brought peace? What did Jesus mean by coming to bring a sword? Why did Jesus say he brought a sword and not peace? Is the world peaceful because of Jesus? Keep reading to get more information and insight about how Jesus brought peace to this world.
What does it mean that Jesus is the prince of peace?
Jesus is referred to as the prince of peace in the book of Isaiah 9:6, in the prophet’s prophecy about the coming of Jesus. “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, and the government will rest on his shoulders,’ and his name will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, eternal father, prince of peace.”
Jesus being the prince of peace means he is the sacrifice that restored the relationship of eternal peace that we enjoy with God today. The book of Romans 5:10 notes that in our sinful state, we were God’s enemies, but God restored us to him through the death of his son. Because of the sufferings and death that Christ had to undergo, we are now reconciled with God and can enjoy the abiding peace between God and us.
However, the death of Jesus on the cross gives us more than eternal peace as it also enables us to enjoy a relationship with our helper, the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ sent us a helper who guides us in everything that we do so that we can walk godly lives. Therefore, by Isaiah referring to Jesus Christ as the prince of peace, it means that he destroyed the enmity between the Trinity and us and offered us eternal peace and a peaceful relationship with the Trinity.
What does it mean that Jesus himself is our peace?
Jesus is our peace because he restored the peaceful relationship we now enjoy with God, and it is only through him we can get access to God. By accepting to come on earth in human form and accepting the torture and sufferings that were subjected to him, Jesus offered his precious blood in exchange for our peace. We no longer worry about eternal sin or God’s wrath on us because of Jesus Christ. He himself is the prince of peace as he brought peace to us and reconciled us with God.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus brought peace?
Jesus severally notes in the Bible that he came to bring peace. He says in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus clearly came to bring peace to us, but he never promises that it will be easy. He notes that we will face tribulations on earth, but we will emerge, victors, just like he did.
Furthermore, Christ says in the book of John 14:27 that his peace he leaves with us. He is explicit that it is not the peace of the world, but his peace rests eternally in us despite the storm that we are going through. Through Jesus, we enjoy peace in our hearts, lead a peaceful relationship with God, and even strive to live in peace with others.
What did Jesus mean by coming to bring a sword?
The book of Mathew 10:34-36 accounts for Jesus explaining to his disciples that he came to bring a sword on earth and not peace. Verse 34 says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth, I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” What did Jesus mean by saying he came to bring a sword?
Even before we dive into the meaning of coming to bring a sword, it is essential to know that Jesus was not talking about a literal sword. Theologians posit that Jesus meant he was coming to define good and evil clearly, which would definitely arise conflict. Christ taught us to differentiate light from darkness and the children of God from those who are not. The ‘sword’ he brought sharply cut between the two groups since there was no lukewarm behavior in Christ Jesus.
Why did Jesus say he brought a sword and not peace?
First, Christ brought peace to the world. He says in the book of John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Jesus is clear that the peace he brought to us is not the peace of the world but the peace between God and us. And therefore, to the world, he brought a sword and not peace.
What Jesus meant by these sentiments is that those who accept him as their personal savior will enjoy a perpetual relationship of peace with God. However, those who will reject him are the ones who taste the sword that he came to bring, as they will be perpetually at war with the father.
Therefore, it is key to note that Christ came to bring spiritual harmony and unity to the world and welcomes everyone to share with him the same. However, he says in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, know that it had hated me before it hated you.” The world and God will always clash as things of the world is sin before the eyes of God. Therefore, we must hate the world, and hence the sword that Christ came to bring.
Is the world peaceful because of Jesus?
The world is definitely peaceful because of Jesus. This is because Christians make up a good percentage of the world’s population. And by accepting Christ in your life, you get to enjoy the inner peace that surpasses the understanding of the world. Furthermore, Paul urges us in the scripture to strive and live peacefully with everybody in society. Therefore, due to strong guiding principles for Christians through Jesus Christ, the world gets to enjoy peace.
References
Did Jesus come to bring peace to the earth?
What did Jesus mean by coming to bring a sword in Mathew 10:34-36?
What does it mean that Jesus is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6)?
Did Jesus come to bring peace to the world?
Jesus came to bring violence, but what does that mean for us?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.