The first three occurrences in Luke surround the birth of Christ, from Zechariah’s prophecy, to the proclamation of the angels, to Simeon’s declaration that he could now depart in peace because he had seen the Messiah.
The next two occurrences of “peace” relate to Jesus’ forgiveness and healing. Other instances of “peace” relate to the reception of the disciples when they were to enter a house, a king asking for terms of peace, the Triumphal Entry, and Jesus appearance to the disciples after the resurrection. Clearly, peace was important to Luke … I’m sure the emphasis was not accidental.
But, in the midst of all these verses is one that stands out like a sore thumb: “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Luk 12:51 ESV) From here, Jesus goes on to explain that following Him—experiencing the peace that He gives—may have great cost in this life … even to the dividing of families. That’s because the peace of Christ is different than the peace that many people envision.
Peace doesn’t mean that that we’re always going to agree with each other, or that there will never be conflicts. Rather, true peace comes from Christ alone and comes because we love each other enough to work through disagreements, conflicts, and differences of opinion as we seek reconciliation (see 2 Cor. 5:18-20). Peace grows in the fertile ground of humility and prayer. Let’s strive for that kind of peace!
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phi 4:5-7 ESV)
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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