The name “Prince of Peace” is the Hebrew Shar Shalom, which means “the one who removes all peace-disturbing factors and secures the peace.” This sets Him apart from most human rulers whose reigns often depend on bloody conquest. His rule rests on a bloody sacrifice! What a contrast to such biblical kings as Nebuchadnezzar, and even David, whose rule was established on might, but not necessarily on right.

The name “Peaceful Prince” helps to explain why Jesus disappointed His countrymen when He came! They did not want a peaceful prince. They wanted a monarch who would annihilate their foes and establish again the glories the kingdom of Israel knew in the golden days of Solomon. They wanted the Roman rulers taken away and all their other oppressors with them.

But Jesus didn’t lift a finger against Rome. He didn’t make one international peace treaty. How can He then be considered the Prince of Peace? Notice two very different statements from the New Testament. Luke 2:14 states, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” But in Matthew 10:34, Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”

How can these two statements be reconciled? Can we blame Jesus’ countrymen for rejecting the Prince of Peace if our own world is still engulfed in conflict as we move into the third millennium?

The New Testament says that the first phase of His coming was to establish a basis for peace with God and to offer it to individuals of all nations. The New Testament also claims that He will come a second time to bring peace to the earth.

The first phase of Messiah’s coming produced a peace unknown to man since the fall of Adam into sin. It is rooted in the saving
mission carried out by Christ on our behalf. Paul wrote:

This means that the peace Jesus brought is more than a negotiated ceasefire between ourselves and God. It is a peace that changes us from enemies into the children of God.

We clearly see the evidence that Jesus Christ is the “Prince of Peace” in the New Testament:

 
• His power. So significant was the power of the Son of God that He was able to bring calm to the natural storms on the turbulent Sea of Galilee. “He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39).

 

• His cross. So effective is His work on the cross that it is able to make peace between God and man. “It pleased the Father . . . by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind
  by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled” (Colossians 1:19-21).

 

• His gospel. The good news of salvation in Christ is acknowledged as the root of peace in the hearts of the redeemed. “The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36).

 

• His body. Though Judaism separated Jews and Gentiles, Christ has not only reconciled God and man, He has reconciled Jew and Gentile so that we are now one body in Christ. “He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation ” (Ephesians 2:14).

 

What is the importance of the name “Prince of Peace” to the believer today? Those who trust Christ as their Mediator and Savior are given by God an assurance that flows out of a right relationship with Him. Once we are in Christ, the Prince of Peace shows us that He can bring peace wherever He rules. He can bring:

 
• Peace in life’s trials. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

 

• Peace in life’s maturing process. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

 

• Peace in life’s victories. “The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly” (Romans 16:20).

 

• Peace in life’s relationships. “. . . endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

 

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What a treasure is ours in Isaiah’s predicted Messiah. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. May we give Him worship, as we ponder the great God that He is!

Reflections: How has Jesus brought peace to your life? In what ways can you bring peace to others?

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