Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9 NIV

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

I can't help but think of Monty Python's The Life of Brian when I read this teaching of Jesus. There's a hilarious scene where comedic characters are a distance away from a Christ figure teaching on a hillside, who are having trouble hearing him. One of them asked, "Did he say blessed are the cheesemakers? What's so special about cheesemakers?" Another man answers, "Surely it's an allegory. Perhaps he means all purveyors of dairy products." Just hilarious!

The comedic scene is meant to poke fun at the church's various ways of interpreting the scriptures, including the teachings of Jesus. The conversation eventually erupts in some big fight, which isn't too far from the truth. Take a look at what religious violence is unleashed upon the earth in our time. Room for civil discourse is shrinking. Where are the peacemakers? Where are the men and women who will lead this world in learning how to lovingly listen to one another?

Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be known as children of God.
The question is, "Who are the children of God?"

The term children of God is literally sons of God. Jesus was addressing Jewish men during the sermon on the mount. This isn't meant as a slight to women. It was the custom of Jewish families for men to be spiritual leaders. Does this mean only Jewish men can be sons of God? No.

Galatians 3:28 HCSB

There is no Jew or Greek (non-Jew), slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

So how do we become children of God? Be peacemakers. That would seem to be the obvious answer. The apostles have much to say on the subject.

John 1:12-13 HCSB

But to all who did receive Him (Jesus), He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

To be born of God is to be a child of God. Nicodemus couldn't understand what it means to be born again. Jesus explained that you are born from above by the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit fills the believer in Christ and is at once given the right to be called a child of God.

Romans 8:14-16 HCSB

All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children...

The gift of the Holy Spirit witnesses to our own spirit and we know within our status before the Father. We are His. Such an experience brings heavenly peace into the soul. We are no longer estranged from our creator. We are welcomed back into the garden and given the right to eat from the tree of life. (Rev 2:7) This heavenly peace abides in us. This grace empowers us to be at peace with God, ourselves and the world. As peace filled disciples of Jesus we make peace through the peace that passes all understanding. (Php 4:5-7)

So what does peacemaking look like? It looks like love.

1 John 3:9-10 HCSB

Everyone who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed remains in him; he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God. This is how God’s children — and the Devil’s children — are made evident. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother.

1 John 5:1-2 NIV

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.

And what are God's commands? The scriptures are filled with commands, laws, ordinances and godly direction, but Christ simplifies it. Love God fully, love others as you love yourself, and in the church, love one another. If you practice love for God through worship, study of God's word, prayer, tithing and other devotions, if you love others through charity and compassionate service, if you love your sisters and brothers in Christ with godly love that is pure and free of sinful motives, then wherever you go, you will be a vessel of God's peace. You will be a peacemaker and a child of God blessed with peace and a blessing to this world.