The Price of Peace
Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:32-42.

Today’s Treasure: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34).

Most of us can readily testify to at some time having been in the worst of circumstances and experiencing peace, or in the best of circumstances and lacking it.  Without a doubt, God’s peace is paramount to spiritual and mental wholeness.  The Greek word for peace is eirene, which simply means “peace of mind, tranquility.”* Simply said, simply defined, and simply found in very few. 

Throughout God’s Word we see evidence that God considers names to be of great importance.  He names and renames to express the essence of a person’s purpose or character.  Scripture teaches that God knows even the stars by name (see Ps. 147:4).  It stands to reason that God chose the highest and best of names to describe the character of His one and only Son. 

The Messiah’s birth announcement in Isaiah 9:6 names Jesus the “Prince of Peace.”  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  However, if we compare it to Jesus’ declaration of purpose in Matthew 10:34, we’ll uncover a problem.  “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”  Is Christ the Prince of Peace or isn’t He?  God uses apparent contradictions in His Word to force us to dig.  Our Scripture reading for today, Matthew 10:32-42, helps us capture the context of verse 34. 

Interestingly, when I looked up the Greek word for “sword,” which is machaira, the Greek dictionary lists not only the definition of the word, which is “knife,” but also the antonym for the word.  Guess what it is?  Eirene.  Peace.  When the Word was made flesh to dwell among men, He came to bring the very opposite of peace. 

Throughout Christ’s earthly ministry, He accomplished exactly what He said He would.  His Word divided the righteous from the unrighteous, the humble from the proud, the faithful from the unfaithful, and the genuine article from the Pharisee.  His Word cut to the heart, dividing friends and families, saints and synagogues.  Then—out of the blue—the issue of peace toward men emerged in Scripture.  Consider the following verses. 

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

• “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’” (Luke 24:36).

• “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’” (John 20:19).

• “A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’” (John 20:26).

Suddenly, we behold the Prince of Peace like a beacon in the night.  What happened?  Let’s trace God’s way of peace and we’ll answer that question.  Read Colossians 1:15-23.  How did God make peace according to verse 20?  Through the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross.  And now we have been reconciled to God and presented holy in His sight, without blemish, and free from accusation (v. 22).  Hallelujah!  Do you see it now?  What happened to usher us from the sword of division to the peace of reconciliation?  The CROSS!  We could not experience peace with God until the fullness of the Godhead made peace with death! 

Ephesians 2:18 shares the good news resulting from the outcome of our peace with God.  “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”  ACCESS to God.  Can you even imagine?  If such privilege has become commonplace to you, or if you simply desire a greater sense of awe to appreciate your access, read Psalm 104 aloud at this time. 

I don’t know about you, but this psalm makes me feel rather miniscule, and yet we, of all creatures great and small, have access.  Why?  Because Christ became our peace on Calvary. 

I will never forget watching an evening talk show featuring the story of the parents and killer of a young college student.  The killer was his best friend.  The weapon was high alcohol content inside a speeding automobile.  We’ve heard so many stories about drunk drivers and their victims.  What made this particular feature prime-time viewing?  The parents had forgiven the young driver…and if that was not enough, they had taken him in as their own. 

This young man sat at the table in the chair which was once occupied by their only son.  He slept in the son’s bed.  He worked with the victim’s father, teaching seminars on safety.  He shared their fortune and supported their causes.  He spoke about the one he had slain in ways only someone who knew him intimately could have. 

Why did these parents do such a thing?  Because it gave them peace.  The interviewer was amazed; I was amazed.  I kept trying to put myself in the parents’ position—but I could not.  Then, as the tears streamed down my cheeks, I heard the Spirit of God whisper to my heart and say: “No wonder you cannot relate.  You have put yourself in the wrong position.  You, my child, are the driver.” 

God was the parent who not only forgave, but also invited me to sit as His table in the space my Savior left for me.  As a result, I have peace. 

Father, thank You for helping me understand how it is that Jesus came to bring a sword and be the Prince of Peace.  Thank You so much for the glorious, gracious access I was given through His blood, shed on the cross.  Thank You blessing me with Your supernatural peace.  Please help me to be faithful to share the good news of this peace with others.  In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

*Spiros Zodhiates et al., eds., The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1992), 950.

Adapted from Living Beyond Yourself, by Beth Moore, pages 92-94.  Nashville: LifeWay Press.  Used by permission.