Don Stewart :: Did Jesus Come to Bring Peace on Earth?

When the angel announced the birth of Jesus, the host of heaven appeared with Him and praised God in these familiar words.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14).

Jesus is also called the "Prince of Peace." The prophet Isaiah wrote.

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

The question then arises: Did Jesus come to earth to bring peace? If so, then He failed in His mission because the world has not known peace since His coming.

There Is A Different Reading Of The Text

First, it should be noted that the text in Luke should read a little differently.

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favors!

The peace promised is not to every person but rather those whom God favors.

He Came To Bring Peace To Believers Only

Jesus has promised peace to believers.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27).

The Apostle Paul wrote of God's peace.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

There Will Not Be Peace For Everyone

The idea of Jesus coming to earth for the purpose of bringing a lasting peace is contrary to His words. Although one of the designations of Jesus is the "Prince of Peace," His first coming was not for the purpose of bringing peace on earth. He made this clear.

I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.' And 'a man's foes will be those of his own household' (Matthew 10:34-36).

According to His own words Jesus came to testify of the truth.

Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice (John 18:37).

People Must Make A Choice Regarding Jesus

The nature of Jesus' message called for people to make a choice. Rather than uniting humanity, it divided friends and families. It still has that effect today. Those who believe in Jesus are separated from those who do not believe. His mission was not that of bringing peace but rather bringing the truth of God.

There Will Be Universal Peace Someday

One day He will return and establish an everlasting kingdom where peace will be the rule rather than the exception. The prophet Isaiah wrote.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this (Isaiah 9:7).

Until that time the message of Jesus divides those who love God's truth from those who do not.

Summary

When Jesus Christ came to earth the angels announced that there would be peace. Jesus is called the, "Prince of Peace" yet there has been no peace for the world since He came. There are several reasons for this. First, the peace the angels promised were to those who have trusted Him - not to everyone. Believers can enjoy the peace of God. Second, Jesus Himself testified that His coming had the result of dividing people not uniting them. There will be peace on the earth but only when Christ returns.