The title “Prince of Peace” is one of the names given to the Messiah in Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 which says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This verse tells us key things about who Jesus is and what He came to do. Let’s explore the meaning behind the title “Prince of Peace” and why it’s significant that Jesus is given this name.
1. Jesus came to bring peace between God and mankind
Humanity’s relationship with God was broken because of sin. Isaiah 59:2 says “…your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” This separation left us without peace – we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10). Jesus came to restore the relationship between God and man by dealing with the problem of sin. Isaiah 53 prophesied that the Messiah would be crushed for our iniquities and that “the punishment that brought us peace was upon him” (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for sin, allowing forgiveness and removal of sin’s guilt before God. Romans 5:1 says “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through Christ, the hostility and separation between man and God was removed. Jesus’ sacrifice enabled us to have true peace with God.
2. Jesus brings inner peace to individuals
Not only did Jesus make peace between man and God, but He also brings inner peace to those who follow Him. Inner turmoil and anxiety are byproducts of sin. With sin comes guilt, fear, worry, and shame. However, Jesus provides freedom from all of this. John 14:27 records Jesus saying, “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.”
This inner peace comes from being reconciled to God, forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit living inside, and knowing your eternal destiny is secure in Christ. Philippians 4:6-7 commands us not to be anxious but to pray and receive the peace of God. Through Christ, we can experience freedom from anxiety and turmoil, having assurance of salvation and our Creator’s love.
3. Jesus will bring ultimate peace on earth in His second coming
When Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago, it was to deal with sin and provide the way for people to be saved. However, we know that the world still has wars, conflict, and unrest. So there is a sense in which Christ’s work of bringing peace is still ongoing and waiting for its full completion.
The Old Testament prophesied that when the Messiah comes and establishes His rule, there would be an age of peace on the earth. Isaiah 2:4 says about the last days, “He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
The book of Revelation also tells of this time when Jesus will return and reign on the earth for 1000 years, a period where there will be no more war and nations will live in peace (Rev 20:1-6). Jesus’ second coming will fully accomplish bringing righteousness and peace to the world under His perfect rule.
4. Jesus brings peace and reconciliation between people
Jesus also proclaimed a message of peace and reconciliation between people. Sin causes hostility, violence, and broken relationships between individuals and groups. Ephesians 2:14 says that Christ “himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”
Jesus taught that we should love one another – even our enemies – and brought a message of grace, forgiveness, and compassion. His followers are called to have hearts of peace towards all people. Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Those who follow Christ are empowered by the Holy Spirit to break down walls of division and bring harmony to relationships.
5. The Prince of Peace gives peace amid trials
Jesus not only brings eternal and global peace but also gives believers peace in the midst of life’s troubles. He told His disciples, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
No matter what difficulties we face, we can have confidence in Jesus’ power and sovereignty over all things. He is able to guard our hearts and minds, giving comfort and stability. The peace He provides is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in who He is – the Prince of Peace. Philippians 4:7 tells us the peace of God “surpasses all understanding” and guards our hearts. As we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, we can experience His supernatural peace.
6. Jesus deserves the title Prince of Peace as the supreme authority over peace
A prince is someone who has supreme authority and position over a kingdom. Jesus deserves this title Prince of Peace because through His life, death, and resurrection He demonstrated authority over sin, conflict, fear, anxiety, and everything else that disrupts our peace. Christ has power over all things and thus is the rightful Prince who can truly establish enduring peace in all realms.
Isaiah 9:7 prophecies about Jesus, “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” His reign as Prince of Peace will continually grow and increase from now into eternity. Any peace experienced in this world ultimately comes from Christ alone. There is no true peace apart from recognizing Jesus as the Prince of Peace and submitting to His rulership.
7. We can have peace in Christ by trusting in Him
How do we personally receive this peace that Jesus gives? It comes down to trusting in Him. Isaiah 26:3 tells us, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Peace is a fruit and blessing that flows out of knowing Jesus, walking closely with Him, and believing in His character. We tap into the peace He offers by faith.
When adversity comes, we canAnchor our souls in Christ and who He is – the Prince of Peace. Hebrews 6:19 says this hope in Jesus is “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” His peace guards our hearts when we entrust our lives to Him. If you lack peace today, put your trust in Jesus. Draw near to Him through prayer, reading His Word, and fellowship with other believers. He promises to give strength and peace to all who rest in Him.
8. The Prince of Peace gives peace that transcends circumstances
The peace that Jesus gives is not like what the world offers. Worldly peace is fleeting and superficial. Christ’s peace transcends earthly circumstances because it is rooted in intimacy with Him. The assurance of His love and promises fills us with joy and security no matter what we face.
John 14:27 says Jesus gives a peace that is different than what the world gives. The world’s peace is dependent on external conditions. But Christ’s peace remains steady even when things around us are in chaos. It anchors our soul and provides stability when everything else is uncertain. It rises above the difficulties we walk through.
Jesus told His disciples, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). No matter what happens in this world, we can take heart knowing He has overcome all and permanently secured our peace with Him.
9. The Prince of Peace brings reconciliation with others
As the Prince of Peace, Jesus also reconciles broken relationships between people. Sin causes hostility, resentment, racism, prejudice, and division. Ephesians 2:14 says “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”
Jesus demolished walls of separation through His sacrificial love on the cross. He unites all those who were once divided – people of all races, backgrounds, social classes. He reminds us that we are all made in the image of God and commands His children to live in harmony with one another. The gospel brings true unity, reconciliation, and oneness to humanity under Christ.
10. We can partner with Christ as peacemakers
As followers of the Prince of Peace, we are called to partner with Jesus in spreading His message of peace and reconciliation. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” As God’s ambassadors on earth, we have the privilege of sharing the good news of Christ’s peace with others.
We can bring peace to those around us by sharing words of life, encouragement, and hope from Scripture. We can also model Christlike love that builds unity rather than dividing. Whenever there are disagreements or conflict, we can choose peacemaking over strife. Praying for peace, justice, and salvation to come to Earth is also part of our mission as believers.
While Jesus alone is the supreme Prince of Peace, He invites us to link arms with Him in advancing His kingdom of righteousness and peace. As we yield to the Spirit’s work in our lives, He empowers us to be agents of reconciliation in a broken world.
