Jesus on Peace

Jesus had much to say about "peace." His teachings on this subject were not limited to the Sermon on the Mount, but that is where we find the most concentrated discussions about peace.

I want to note several passages from the Sermon on the Mount and some from other passages as Jesus' teachings on peace. These words are often referred to as the "hard sayings of Jesus," because they are just that, teachings that are often difficult for us to understand, and even more, to put into practice.

WDJS - What did Jesus say?

Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called (children) of God."

Matthew 5:11,12 - "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. . . ."

Matthew 5:38,39 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Matthew 5:43-45 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be (children) of your Father in heaven. . . ."

John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 18:36 - "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

Luke 23:34 - "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

These words are indeed quite compelling and prove to be quite difficult to live out in life as well. They speak of our relationship with each other, and with God. They speak only briefly about how to relate to those who would do us harm. What one is to do with these words of Jesus is up to each reader, and follower of Jesus. However, we are prompted to follow the example of Jesus by those who wrote the epistles, passages that enlarge on the Christian faith and lay the groundwork for all Christians to build their faith upon. Note some of these words of the Apostle Peter, as he answers the question, WDJD, What did Jesus do?

1 Peter 2:21-23 - "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.' When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him Who judges justly."

Obeying the hard teachings of Jesus and following the example He has left us is no small task. It is my perception that the teachings Jesus gave to His followers were not meant for some far off millennium unforeseen by either Jesus or His followers. They perceived that it was meant for them. And that is how I now perceive His teachings to be - for me, for us, to hear and obey to the best of our knowledge and ability. That's why I remain -

Pilgrim on the way