An Exposition of Matthew 5:9
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Within the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes the character of those who belong to the kingdom of God. The Beatitudes are not merely a list of moral instructions or external behaviors. Rather, they reveal the inner transformationof people whose lives have been shaped by the rule and reign of God. They describe the attitudes, values, and character of those who live under God’s kingdom.
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus highlights one of the most profound characteristics of kingdom citizens: they are peacemakers. In a world often marked by conflict, rivalry, division, and hostility, Jesus declares that those who actively pursue reconciliation and harmony are truly blessed. Such people reflect the heart of God, who Himself is the ultimate source of peace and reconciliation.
1. “Blessed”: Living in the Favor of God
The word “blessed” in this passage comes from the Greek word μακάριοι (makarioi).
The term makarios describes a condition of deep spiritual flourishing and divine favor. It does not simply refer to happiness that depends on circumstances, emotions, or outward success. Instead, it speaks of a life that stands under God’s approval, grace, and covenant favor. It is the state of a person whose life is aligned with God and who experiences the goodness of living under His rule.
Therefore, when Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” He is not merely complimenting those who prefer calm environments or who try to avoid conflict. Rather, He is declaring that those who actively pursue reconciliation and peace are people who live under the special favor of God. Their lives reflect values that are deeply pleasing to Him.
In the Old Testament, this idea of blessedness is closely connected to the Hebrew concept of shalom. The word shalomrefers not only to the absence of conflict but to a state of wholeness, harmony, well-being, and restored relationships—both with God and with others. In this sense, the blessed life is a life that participates in the peace and order that God intends for His creation.
Psalm 34:14 “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse shows that peace in the biblical sense is not something passive. Scripture does not simply say that we should appreciate peace or desire peaceful circumstances. Instead, it commands us to seek peace and pursue it. The language suggests active effort, determination, and intentional action.
The word “seek” implies a deliberate desire and commitment, while the word “pursue” conveys the idea of actively chasing after something with perseverance. In other words, peace does not usually happen by accident. It often requires humility, patience, forgiveness, and the willingness to take the first step toward reconciliation.
For this reason, a peacemaker lives with the awareness that reconciliation, restoration, and harmony are not optional virtues but expressions of God’s own character. When believers pursue peace, they reflect the heart of God Himself—the God who continually works to restore broken relationships and bring harmony where there is division.
2. Peacemakers: Those Who Actively Create Peace
The central word in this beatitude is “peacemakers.”
The Greek word used by Jesus is εἰρηνοποιοί (eirēnopoioi). It is a compound word formed from two parts:
- εἰρήνη (eirēnē) — peace
- ποιέω (poieō) — to make, produce, or create
Thus, a peacemaker is literally “one who makes peace.”
This choice of word is very significant. Jesus did not say, “Blessed are the peace-lovers,” or “Blessed are the peacekeepers,” nor did He say, “Blessed are those who simply avoid conflict.” Instead, He used a word that describes people who actively create reconciliation. A peacemaker is someone who intentionally works to restore broken relationships, resolve conflicts, and bring harmony where division exists
A peacemaker steps into broken situations and works to restore relationships, harmony, and justice. Peacemakers do not merely maintain calm environments; they bring healing to fractured relationships.
The biblical concept of peace also reflects the Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (shalom). Shalom is far richer than the modern idea of peace as merely the absence of conflict. In Scripture, shalom refers to:
- wholeness
- harmony
- restoration
- well-being
- right relationship with God and others
True peace therefore involves the restoration of relationships to their proper order under God.
This explains why the message of salvation itself is described as the gospel of peace. Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through Christ, the deepest conflict in human existence—the separation between God and humanity—has been reconciled.
Every Christian who participates in God’s reconciling work therefore becomes a peacemaker.
3. Peacemaking Reflects the Character of God
Jesus continues His statement with a remarkable promise: “For they shall be called sons of God.”
The expression “sons of God” (Greek: υἱοὶ θεοῦ – huioi theou) does not primarily refer to biological identity but to character resemblance. In the biblical world, a “son” often meant someone who resembled the character of another.
For example:
- “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17) described fiery personalities
- “sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2) described people shaped by rebellion
Thus, when Jesus says that peacemakers will be called sons of God, He means that their lives reflect the character of God Himself.
God is the ultimate peacemaker. The entire story of Scripture is the story of God reconciling humanity to Himself.
Colossians 1:20 “Through Him to reconcile to Himself all things… making peace through the blood of His cross.”
The cross of Christ is therefore the greatest act of peacemaking in history. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, God restored the broken relationship between Himself and humanity. Those who live as peacemakers reflect the heart of this divine mission.
4. Peacemaking as the Calling of Every Believer
The Beatitudes do not merely present spiritual ideals or abstract virtues; they describe a way of life. They portray the character and lifestyle of those who live under the rule of God’s kingdom. In other words, these qualities are not optional for Christians—they are the natural expression of lives that have been transformed by God’s grace.
For this reason, peacemaking is not only a noble value but a calling for every believer. Christians are called to become agents of reconciliation wherever they live and serve—in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities.
The apostle Paul explains this calling clearly: 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 “God… reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Through the work of Christ, the broken relationship between humanity and God has been restored. Those who receive this reconciliation are not only forgiven; they are also entrusted with a mission. Because we have been reconciled to God, we are now called to help bring reconciliation to others—reflecting the heart of God by promoting forgiveness, healing, and restored relationships wherever conflict and division exist.
In Personal Relationships
Peacemaking begins in everyday relationships. A peacemaker refuses to nurture bitterness, resentment, or division in the heart. Instead, they pursue forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation whenever conflict arises. Scripture calls believers to take responsibility for maintaining peace wherever possible.
Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse acknowledges that peace may not always be fully attainable, because it also depends on the response of others. Yet believers are called to do everything within their power to pursue reconciliation. A peacemaker therefore takes the first step toward restoration, even when it requires humility, patience, and the willingness to lay aside pride.
In Families
Families are often the closest and most emotionally complex relationships in life. Because of this, they can easily become places where unresolved conflicts accumulate over time. Hurt feelings, misunderstandings, unmet expectations, and pride can slowly weaken trust and damage relationships.
In such situations, a peacemaker intentionally chooses a different path. Instead of responding with accusation, anger, or retaliation, a peacemaker practices humility, listening, patience, and grace. By creating an atmosphere of understanding and forgiveness, they help restore harmony and strengthen the bonds within the family.
In the Workplace and Society
Peacemaking is also deeply needed in the workplace and in society. Many environments are shaped by competition, rivalry, misunderstanding, and conflicting interests. Without wisdom and integrity, these tensions can easily lead to division and hostility.
A peacemaker brings a different influence. Through fairness, wisdom, honesty, and respect, they help resolve tensions and promote cooperation. They seek solutions rather than blame, and they build bridges rather than deepen divisions. In doing so, they help cultivate trust where suspicion once existed and foster unity where division once prevailed.
5. The Active Pursuit of Peace
Peacemaking is not something that happens automatically; it is something that must be actively pursued. Biblical peacemaking is very different from simply avoiding conflict or pretending that problems do not exist. In many situations, genuine peace requires the courage to address wrongdoing and to work toward restoring what has been broken.
For this reason, peacemakers are not passive people who ignore tensions or remain silent in the face of conflict. Instead, they intentionally pursue truth with humility, wisdom, and love. Their goal is not to win arguments, but to restore relationships and bring reconciliation.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this balance perfectly. He spoke the truth with clarity and boldness, yet His purpose was always restoration and reconciliation. Following His example, peacemakers are willing to take the initiative—even when it requires patience, humility, courage, and personal sacrifice. In doing so, they reflect the very heart of the gospel, which is God’s work of reconciling the world to Himself.
“Peace-making is a divine work. For peace means reconciliation, and God is the author of peace and reconciliation.” – John Stott
Conclusion: Answering the Call to Be Peacemakers
Matthew 5:9 reminds us that peacemaking is not merely a noble ideal but a defining mark of those who belong to God’s kingdom. Those who have experienced reconciliation with God through Christ are called to reflect that same reconciling grace in their relationships with others. In a world often shaped by conflict, division, and hostility, followers of Christ are invited to become instruments of peace—people who pursue forgiveness, restore broken relationships, and seek harmony wherever God has placed them.
This calling flows directly from the gospel itself. God, through Christ, took the initiative to reconcile humanity to Himself. When believers actively pursue peace, they mirror the heart and character of their heavenly Father. For this reason, Jesus declares that peacemakers “shall be called sons of God.” Their lives bear visible evidence that they belong to the God who restores, reconciles, and brings true peace.
To live as a peacemaker is therefore to participate in the work of God’s kingdom. It requires humility, courage, patience, and a willingness to take the first step toward reconciliation. Yet when believers pursue peace in this way, they become living testimonies of the gospel—revealing to the world the peace that comes from God and pointing others toward the One who is the ultimate source of true and lasting peace.
When we answer the call to be peacemakers, we reflect the heart of God and become visible witnesses of His kingdom in a divided world.
budi hidajat 