Why did Jesus say blessed are the peacemakers?

The Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, begins with a series of blessings known as the Beatitudes. Each beatitude pronounces a blessing on a particular group of people—those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

These blessings reveal the values of God’s kingdom, which often stand in sharp contrast to worldly values. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9) is the seventh beatitude. In Jewish tradition, the number seven symbolizes completeness and perfection, suggesting that peacemaking is a central and culminating trait of those who follow God.

The Meaning of “Peacemakers”

The word “peacemaker” goes far beyond the mere absence of conflict. In the biblical context, peace—or “shalom” in Hebrew—refers to a state of wholeness, harmony, and well-being. A peacemaker is not just someone who avoids quarrels or keeps the peace by staying silent. Rather, a peacemaker actively seeks to reconcile, restore, and heal broken relationships. This can involve great personal risk, sacrifice, and effort. Jesus’ use of the term peacemaker thus refers to those who work to bring about true, lasting peace, even in the face of adversity.

The Historical and Cultural Context

Jesus spoke these words in first-century Palestine, a region marked by political turbulence, Roman occupation, and deep social and religious divides. The people listening to Jesus were well-acquainted with conflict. There were tensions between Jews and Gentiles, among various Jewish sects, and between the people and their Roman oppressors. Many expected the Messiah to bring peace through force or political revolution. However, Jesus’ message subverted these expectations—he called his followers to pursue peace through reconciliation, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice, not violence or retribution.

The Divine Nature of Peacemaking

When Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” he was making a profound theological point. In the biblical worldview, God is the ultimate peacemaker. Throughout the scriptures, God initiates peace with humanity, seeking to restore what was broken by sin. The very mission of Jesus—his incarnation, teachings, death, and resurrection—was about reconciling humanity to God and to one another.

By calling peacemakers “sons of God,” Jesus signified that those who actively pursue peace are reflecting God’s character. In the ancient world, to be called a “son of” someone often meant sharing their attributes. Peacemakers, then, are recognized as God’s children because they mirror his reconciling nature.

Peacemaking as an Active Calling

It’s important to note that peacemaking is an active, not passive, calling. It requires initiative, courage, and sometimes confronting uncomfortable truths. Peacemakers bridge divides, mediate disputes, and strive to mend what is broken in their families, communities, and the world at large. This often means stepping into the middle of conflict, seeking understanding, and offering forgiveness. Jesus himself modeled this kind of peacemaking—he reached out to social outcasts, forgave those who wronged him, and taught his followers to love their enemies.

Why Did Jesus Bless the Peacemakers?

Jesus blessed the peacemakers because the work of peacemaking is both necessary and difficult. In a world marred by sin—by pride, envy, anger, and division—peace is not the default state. True peace must be pursued, cultivated, and protected. Peacemakers play a vital role in God’s redemptive work; they are agents of reconciliation, healing, and restoration.

Moreover, peacemaking reflects the very heart of the gospel. The good news of Jesus is that, through him, God makes peace with humanity. Paul writes in Colossians 1:20 that God was “pleased…to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Peacemakers embody this reconciliatory spirit, offering others a glimpse of God’s kingdom on earth.

Peacemaking in the Life and Teachings of Jesus

Jesus’ own life was a testament to peacemaking. He broke down barriers between Jews and Samaritans, ate with tax collectors and sinners, and forgave those who crucified him. In John 14:27, he assures his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” The peace Jesus brings is not temporary or superficial; it is deep, enduring, and transformative.

The Apostle Paul later echoed this theme, urging believers to “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19) and to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). The early Christian community was thus characterized by a radical commitment to reconciliation and unity, even amid persecution and hardship.

The Cost of Peacemaking

Peacemaking is a blessed calling, but it is not without cost. Peacemakers sometimes face misunderstanding, opposition, or even hostility from those invested in maintaining division or conflict. Jesus himself warned that his followers would face persecution, even as they sought to live out his teachings. Yet, he affirmed that the reward for peacemakers is great—they are called sons of God, and they participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.

The Relevance of Peacemaking Today

Peacemaking can take many forms—mediating disputes, advocating for the marginalized, fostering dialogue across differences, or simply extending forgiveness and kindness in daily interactions. Each act of peacemaking, however small, is a step towards the wholeness and harmony that God desires for his creation.

Peacemakers as Children of God

To be called a “son of God” is to be identified with God’s family and to bear his likeness. Peacemakers demonstrate that they are God’s children by reflecting his character to the world. They become instruments of his peace, as famously invoked in the prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith.”

Conclusion

Peacemakers are blessed not only because of the peace they create, but because in their actions, they reveal the heart of God and usher in his kingdom. In a world hungry for peace, the call of Jesus remains: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.