With a world cloaked in fear and uncertainty, we need to embrace Jesus as Prince of Peace now more than ever! Come with me as we explore the topic of God’s peace and prepare our hearts for the coming of the king.
We will also study verses from both the Old Testament and New Testament about God’s promise of peace as well as focus on an insightful quote about the kind of peace all of mankind is looking for by Charles Spurgeon.
How is Jesus the Prince of Peace?
Our verse comes from the Prophet Isaiah. He has a beautiful prophecy of the coming Messiah. He saw him as the son of God, the king of kings, and yet humble and meek.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Jesus, the long awaited for Messiah was supposed to bring an everlasting kingdom of peace and serenity. He was supposed to destroy Israel’s enemies and deliver the people from oppression and tyranny.
It didn’t happen exactly as they had planned, did it? The Romans continued to rule, destroying Jerusalem a few short decades later. The children of Israel continued to battle against unwanted rulers, holding onto their traditions and laws with a firm grip, but their lives were far from peaceful.
Did the promised Prince of Peace fail them? What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace? Before answering that question, we need to understand what spiritual peace is.
What is the Meaning of Spiritual Peace?
The Jews were looking for their Messiah to bring them earthly peace, but Jesus made it clear that was not his mission when he said “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)
We often think of peace as an absence of conflict or political harmony, but that is not the inner peace or the peace of mind that scripture tells us is real peace, the peace of Jesus. This peace is brought on only by a right relationship with God.
The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom” or “shalam” and it means to “make something whole”. Whole as in body and spirit. Exactly what so many of us are looking for!
The Greek word for peace is “eirene” and means peace, quiet, rest, and peace of mind.
Charles Spurgeon has an excellent commentary on peace. One point he makes is that the peace that Jesus brought is peace with God and peace with our own conscience.
There is first, peace with God for he “hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ;” he hath put away the wall which separated us from Jehovah, and now there is “peace on earth” and “goodwill toward men.” When sin is put away, God has no cause of warfare against his creature: Christ has put our sins away, and therefore there is a virtual substantial peace established between God and our souls. This, however, might exist without our clearly understanding and rejoicing in it. Christ has therefore left us peace in the conscience. Peace with God is the treaty; peace in the conscience is the publication of it. Peace with God is the fountain, and peace with conscience is the crystal stream which issues from it. -Charles Spurgeon
Therefore, Jesus as Prince of Peace means, not that He brought physical peace to us, but that He reconciled us to God, bringing peace to our souls and our conscience as well as peace with one another as we overcome sin through his name.
The peace that Christ brought was the confidence of eternal life and a restored relationship as children of God. Surely, Isaiah’s prophecy and the beautiful news of a king of peace mean so much more to us than we can even fathom.
What Does the Bible Say about Peace?
A few things we can learn about peace from studying Scripture.
- God brings us peace when we trust in Him. “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
- We find peace when we turn from sin. “Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:11)
- We have peace through forgiveness of sins. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)
- We find peace by giving our anxieties to God through prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Jesus is the Prince of Peace
We all want peace. Peace in our countries, peace in our families, peace in our communities. What we all must come to realize is that true peace only comes through faith in Christ. The government cannot make peace because they cannot change men’s hearts.
True peace is not dependent on the situations going on around us, rather believing that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and putting our trust in him.
When we believe that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and allow him to heal our relationship with our creator, heal our relationships with each other, and bring peace to our own troubled hearts, we will see a change.
What Does Jesus Say about Peace?
Jesus’ authority was spiritual and not political. He knew of his second coming in the future and the truth of a messianic kingdom, but he accepted that his time to rule was not yet. Jesus was the embodiment of peace, not because he brought a great calm and delivered them from Roman rule, but because he brought a personal relationship with the eternal father.
Though it was not time for him to take the throne of David, the title prince of peace is one for now and for the future kingdom when he will truly rule the entire world and bring world peace.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus admits here that he has not come to bring peace to the world, but to us, his followers. Our peace comes from him and through our faith in him.
Later, after Jesus’s resurrection, he appears to the disciples and knowing their fear and confusion greets them with “Peace be with you” (John 20:19)
Seriously though, at this time, can you think of a better greeting than wishing someone peace?
Related post for a deeper study: What is Peace in the Bible?
Bible Verses about Peace
We have established that Jesus is our peace. What are some other Bible verses about peace?
Romans 8:5-6
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6)
Again, not a physical peace based on our surroundings and circumstances. Not a feeling of happiness, but the assurance that we are more than this earth. Our hope and joy lies in our new life in Christ.
Isaiah 12:2
“Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.’ ” (Isaiah 12:2)
Who is our salvation? Where does our hope come from? Aren’t you thankful that we have a God who is greater than the turmoil in world today?!
Isaiah 54:10
For the mountains shall depart
And the hills be removed,
But My kindness shall not depart from you,
Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,”
Says the Lord, who has mercy on you. (Isaiah 54:10)
The earth will pass away, sin will finish its path of destruction, but we are secure in Christ!
Prince of Peace Meaning, Let’s Sum it Up
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
I love the Apostle Paul’s call to action here and it’s a great way to end this post. Take all that you know, muster your faith and your courage, embrace your new life, and walk worthy of the calling.
No more walking in fear. No more anxiety. Walk in the bond of peace.
Are you ready to embrace Jesus as Prince of Peace in your life? Let’s end this year with determination to walk worthy of our calling!
May the peace of Christ rule in your heart as you spread the good news of true peace to a broken world.
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