ATTRIBUTES OF JESUS: PRINCE OF PEACE

Christmas is such a unique time of year. During this season, people seem to put extra effort into seeking peace (unless they’re Christmas shopping during rush hour!). Estranged family members tolerate one another for a time, friends consider not arguing, and people generally try harder to get along. Everyone seems to know that it takes effort to make this a joyful season and we should all do our part to make it so. It’s the one time of year we admit we’re not as good as we should be; we have faults that cause rifts in relationships. That’s because if we look deep down, we discover the greatest rift in the most important relationship: before salvation, our sin makes us enemies of God. But the good news is that Jesus brought peace.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6). He has the authority to give us peace. He lived a sinless life and became the perfect sacrifice, died, and was resurrected, all so that we might have peace with God. Not only did Isaiah plainly say that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, He also said Jesus’ death would bring us peace (Is. 53:5). Our sin makes us enemies of God, but through Christ, we can be at peace with God and be called a friend (Rom. 5:10-11).

Jesus is our Mediator. This means Jesus is the one who goes between us and God. We cannot be near God because of our sin, but Jesus is now the bridge to God for those who believe. Not only did Christ bring us reconciliation, but He still is working to be our mediator so that we can have a relationship with God. Belief for salvation is a one time thing, but even once we’re saved, we still sin. We need to grow and change and that’s where sanctification comes in. God can work in our lives because Jesus is mediating on our behalf (1 Tim. 2:1-6, Eph. 2:11-22).

Jesus is a Miracle Worker. You can hardly read a chapter in one of the gospels without reading about a miracle of Jesus. He stilled the storm, healed the sick, cast out demons and much more. He took what was broken and fixed it. He restored events and people back to order. He brought peace. And He still does this in our lives today! Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” This isn’t a promise of a perfect life with no problems. In fact, in Matthew 10:34 Jesus said He came not to bring peace but a sword. But He was talking about how the Gospel would polarize people. People will either respond to the gospel in humility and love or in hostility and hate. But for those who believe, we have been given a way to go through trials: depend on Jesus for peace (1 Thess. 5:23; Is. 26:3-4; Rom. 8:6). God has a plan and we can trust that He is at work in us through Christ.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. This one might seem odd to bring up on a post about peace, but a shepherd’s whole job was to make sure there was peace with his sheep. Whether it be outside forces or inside turmoil, a shepherd had to protect the sheep. Jesus is our good shepherd, protecting us and bringing us peace. We still try to escape or do things our own way, but He gently guides us back to His truth, just like a shepherd to his sheep. And in His guidance, He gives wisdom and equips us through His Word to act with peace to others as well (Phil. 4:7; Gal. 5:22; Col. 3:14-16).

How wonderful that Jesus brings us peace! I thank God for reconciling Himself to us through Jesus, sending Christ as a mediator, working in our lives, and guiding us. I hope this holiday season we remember the peace that God gives us that we might share the gospel and act in love and peace to others (Rom. 12:18; 14:19).

RESOURCE: “O Come All You Unfaithful” by Sovereign Grace Music
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-QHbpYjuIg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5tN7qWtwG9i8LniUUGDiRh?si=7dfb3628f610459d

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