Matthew - Blessed are the Peacemakers

In today’s study from Matthew 5:9, we see that we all have been called to be peacemakers.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

v.9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. A peacemaker is one who tries to make peace, especially by reconciling parties who disagree, quarrel, or fight. Jesus clearly taught that his were to do this. Jesus said in Matt 5:39-42 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Christian Application

To the Christian, blessed are the peacemakers is referring to those who work for peace. Albert Barnes says that these are those who strive to prevent contention, strife, and war; who use their influence to reconcile opposing parties. Paul said in Romams 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. The writer of Hebrews said, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

Telemachus was a monk who lived in the 4th century. He felt God saying to him, "Go to Rome." He was in a cloistered monastery. He put his possessions in a sack and set out for Rome. When he arrived in the city, people were thronging in the streets. He asked why all the excitement and was told that this was the day that the gladiators would be fighting and killing each other in the coliseum, the day of the games, the circus.  He thought to himself, "Four centuries after Christ and they are still killing each other, for enjoyment?" He ran to the coliseum and heard the gladiators saying, "Hail to Ceasar, we die for Ceasar" and he thought, "this isn't right." He jumped over the railing and went out into the middle of the field, got between two gladiators, held up his hands and said "In the name of Christ, forbear." The crowd protested and began to shout, "Run him through, Run him through." A gladiator came over and hit him in the stomach with the back of his sword. It sent him sprawling in the sand. He got up and ran back and again said, "In the name of Christ, forbear." The crowd continued to chant, "Run him through." One gladiator came over and plunged his sword through the little monk's stomach and he fell into the sand, which began to turn crimson with his blood. One last time he gasped out, "In the name of Christ forbear." A hush came over the 80,000 people in the coliseum. Soon a man stood and left, then another and more, and within minutes all 80,000 had emptied out of the arena. It was the last known gladiatorial contest in the history of Rome.