The Pronouncement

We have been having the stage or platform set in our hearts and minds where Jesus preached His Sermon on the Mount to His disciples. Having fixed the place, the Preacher, the position and the people, we listen to the Preacher’s pronouncement.   

The Pronouncement – The pronouncement of Jesus targets peacemakers. Blessed are the peacemakers.  These are all God’s peacemakers. We know that Jesus made a number of pronouncements to His disciples, but our singular moment of study is this one. Blessed are the peacemakers. By the word pronouncement, we simply mean what Jesus stated categorically, as an absolute fact, one which will never be altered or removed. Jesus has stated a fact and that is that, for it is absolutely so. Don’t forget, He is speaking specifically to His disciples. He has addressed this word only to them. Blessed are the peacemakers.

The word blessed, speaks of being happy, well-favoured and well-placed with God. For example, we can clearly hear Jesus pronouncing this to His disciples. Happy are the peacemakers or, contented are the peacemakers, or well-placed are the peacemakers. Blessed are the peacemakers. Who are the peacemakers? I wondered about that, and all I heard was, look at Jesus Himself. This is what was reasoned to me. Jesus is speaking to His disciples, no one else’s disciples. If His disciples are His students, His learners, then He is their Teacher. He is more than just a Teacher who talks His teaching, but He is a Teacher who lives and shows His teaching. He is Expositor and Example. He is not like the very teachers whom He denounced to His disciples.

On one occasion, when speaking to the multitudes and His disciples, this is what He said about the scribes and Pharisees, prominent, well-known and most highly visible teachers or Rabbis of the day. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. Matthew 23: 3. Jesus speaks, and lives what He speaks. He is not about, do as I say, but not as I do. I have said all of that to say this. If Jesus is speaking about peacemakers to His students, then He must be the Supreme and First Peacemaker of all.

The word is, peacemaker. Are we hearing Jesus speaking about those who make peace, peace makers? Do peace makers carry the same understanding in meaning as, for example, peace givers, peace lovers, peace thinkers or peace advocates? The first thing that wafts across my mind are these most upfront words about Jesus. This is what He said in Matthew 10: 34. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. Does this peace have to do with who a peacemaker is? Is a peacemaker an obedient follower of Jesus who comes to bring a sword?

Again, my mind is taken to the twelve disciples whom Jesus sent out with His peace. This is what He said to them. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. Matthew 10: 12 – 13. Does this peace have to do with who a peacemaker is? Is a peacemaker an obedient disciple of Jesus whose peace is taken away from undeserving homes? 

When priest Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, was filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesied concerning his son. One of his prophetic words, was that John was given for this reason. To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1: 79. The Way of peace is Jesus, the One for whom John was preparing the way.  

Additionally, when at the first coming of Jesus, a host of heavenly angels was praising God and singing, this is what they said. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2: 14. Heavenly dwellers, celestial beings who live and know only peace, have come to earth, bringing good News and giving glory to God for peace to people on earth. Is not Jesus the believer’s peace?

Our hearts surrender, our minds acquiesce and our entire, submissive beings, throw it all completely on these most comforting, embracing and calming words of Jesus to His own. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14: 27. Every true disciple of Jesus has His given peace. Jesus’ peace is with you, just as it was with the Twelve, whom He told to leave peace in houses where they were accepted. Let your peace rest on it. As long as you have welcomed Jesus into your life, you have His peace for He is peace.

Jesus told this to His disciples, not the world. 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. The world has no peace and will never have peace to offer anyone. However, in this world, all believers should have peace, because there is peace in Jesus.