Bridging the Testaments – The Fulfilment of Old Testament in Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Where It Took Place
- Matthew 5:9:
This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount (around AD 27-30), where Jesus spoke to His disciples and a gathered crowd on a hillside near the Sea of Galilee. Jesus’ audience consisted of common people, including Jews who lived under Roman rule, longing for justice and peace. The theme of being a “peacemaker” was radical in a context where many expected a militant Messiah who would deliver them from Roman oppression. - Isaiah 9:6:
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This prophecy, spoken by Isaiah around the 8th century BC, foretells the coming of a Messianic figure who will bring ultimate peace. Although originally addressing Israel, the passage has universal Messianic implications and is often applied to Jesus as the Prince of Peace. - Psalm 34:14:
“Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse, attributed to David (circa 10th century BC), calls for righteous living and the active pursuit of peace. It was directed toward the people of Israel but carries a timeless ethical principle of seeking peace and reconciliation.
Keywords
- Peacemakers: Those who actively work to reconcile differences, whether in personal relationships or broader social and spiritual contexts. In biblical terms, it refers not just to the absence of conflict but to the restoration of right relationships, reflecting God’s desire for wholeness (shalom).
- Sons of God: This phrase signifies divine kinship and identity. To be called a son of God is to reflect God’s character and mission, aligning oneself with His purposes on earth.
- Blessed (Makarios): The divine favour or happiness given to those who live according to God’s kingdom principles, here applied to those who promote peace.
Old Testament Scriptures
- Isaiah 9:6:
This prophecy of the Prince of Peace sets a Messianic foundation for Jesus’ teaching on peacemaking. Jesus, as the fulfilment of this prophecy, calls His followers to be agents of peace, reflecting His own identity as the Prince of Peace. This connection reinforces the idea that true peace is both a gift and a task for God’s people. - Psalm 34:14:
David’s instruction to “seek peace and pursue it” aligns with Jesus’ beatitude. Peacemaking is not passive but requires active effort and intentionality, mirroring Jesus’ call to His disciples to bring reconciliation and harmony. The pursuit of peace reflects the character of God and leads to a blessing, just as in Matthew 5:9. - Proverbs 12:20:
“Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counsellors of peace have joy.”
This proverb highlights the joy that accompanies those who promote peace. Like Matthew 5:9, it portrays peacemaking as a noble and blessed endeavour, contrasting the hearts of those who seek peace with those who cause conflict. Peacemakers reflect divine wisdom and experience true joy.
How Matthew 5:9 Reflects and Fulfils Old Testament Scriptures
Matthew 5:9 reflects and fulfils the Old Testament’s emphasis on peace as central to God’s kingdom. In Isaiah 9:6, the Messiah is identified as the Prince of Peace, and Jesus’ teaching builds on this identity, calling His followers to be peacemakers. By doing so, they not only align with the Messianic mission but are also recognized as God’s children, reflecting the divine nature of peace.
Psalm 34:14 offers a foundation for Jesus’ command, emphasising the active pursuit of peace as part of righteous living. The beatitude in Matthew 5:9 goes further by linking peacemaking with divine sonship, indicating that those who seek peace reflect God’s image and mission.
In Proverbs 12:20, peacemaking is associated with joy, and Jesus’ beatitude suggests that this joy is part of the blessing for those who live as agents of reconciliation. Jesus fulfils the wisdom of the Old Testament by teaching that peace is a defining characteristic of those who belong to God.
Scholars emphasise that Matthew 5:9 challenges conventional views of strength and power, especially in a first-century Jewish context that often expected a militant deliverer. Jesus’ focus on peacemaking as a path to divine blessing redefines strength as the ability to reconcile, forgive, and restore relationships, rather than seeking vengeance or domination.
The phrase “sons of God” in Matthew 5:9 carries deep theological meaning. In the Old Testament, Israel was sometimes referred to as God’s son (Exodus 4:22, Hosea 11:1), indicating a special relationship with the Creator. Jesus expands this identity to individuals who embody God’s character by being peacemakers. The connection to Isaiah 9:6, where the Messiah is called the Prince of Peace, implies that those who make peace are following in the footsteps of the Messiah Himself.
Greek insights reveal that the term “peacemaker” (Greek: εἰρηνοποιοί – eirenopoioi) refers not just to those who maintain peace but to those who actively work to bring about reconciliation, peace in relationships, and harmony. This term appears only here in the New Testament, highlighting its uniqueness and importance in Jesus’ teaching.
Meaning of Keywords
- “Peacemakers” (Greek: εἰρηνοποιοί – eirenopoioi): Those who actively bring about peace, not only in resolving conflict but also in fostering wholeness and restoration in relationships and communities.
- “Sons of God” (Greek: υἱοὶ θεοῦ – huioi theou): A term denoting divine kinship, reflecting the identity and character of God. Those who are peacemakers mirror God’s nature as a God of peace and reconciliation.
- “Blessed” (Greek: μακάριοι – makarioi): Indicates a state of divine favour and happiness, not merely based on circumstances but rooted in God’s approval and the inner joy that comes from living in alignment with His will.
Application for Today’s Christians
For modern Christians, Matthew 5:9 is a call to live as agents of reconciliation in a world often characterised by division and conflict. This beatitude encourages believers to seek peace not just in personal relationships but also in wider social and global contexts. Peacemaking is an active pursuit, requiring intentional effort to heal wounds, resolve differences, and promote understanding.
Practical applications include:
- Reconciliation in Relationships: Christians are called to be bridge-builders in their families, communities, and churches, seeking to resolve conflicts with love and patience. This may involve forgiving others, mediating disputes, and promoting unity.
- Promoting Social Peace: Beyond personal relationships, this beatitude challenges Christians to be advocates for peace in societal and global issues, working for justice, understanding, and the end of violence.
- Living as Sons of God: To be a peacemaker is to reflect the nature of God Himself. Christians are invited to live out their divine identity by embodying God’s character as the Prince of Peace. This includes being instruments of God’s peace in both small and large ways.
Conclusion
Matthew 5:9 encapsulates Jesus’ radical redefinition of kingdom values, highlighting the importance of peacemaking as central to the life of a believer. Rooted in Old Testament teachings like Isaiah 9:6 and Psalm 34:14, the call to be a peacemaker not only fulfils these scriptures but also extends them into a new era of kingdom living. Jesus teaches that those who actively seek peace reflect God’s own heart and mission, and they are given the honour of being called “sons of God.”
For today’s Christians, this beatitude offers both a challenge and an invitation. It calls believers to be agents of reconciliation in a divided world, embodying the peace of Christ in their relationships and communities. In doing so, they live out their divine identity as children of God, reflecting His love and desire for peace.