Jesus: Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness 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 portrays the eternal hope of God’s people in this passage. This prophecy refers directly to Jesus, the One who was to fulfill Isaiah’s words (Lk 1:32 – 33). The coming of Jesus represented a new rule and a new King who would reign forever, and ultimately he will establish God’s rule and reign forever Rev 21:5 – 7). “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end” (Isa 9:7). Earthly kingdoms advance through greed, war and oppression. God’s kingdom advances through righteousness and peace (Jn 14:27) — peace that will prevail forever in God’s new heaven and new earth.

The people of God longed for this type of peace. Though the promised land was meant to be marked by God’s provision and freedom from war, this had not been the case. Israel’s persistent rebellion and idolatry prevented the kind of peaceful situation that God had promised, had they been obedient (Dt 6:3).

Isaiah encouraged the people to maintain hope that God’s peace would prevail, but it would come in a future day inaugurated by the appearance of the Messiah. Believers today can have this hope as well. Though the world has been broken with strife and sin, Isaiah pictured a day when peace will cover the earth and all pain will cease (Isa 9:7; Rev 21:4). Jesus encouraged believers to have hope, for he overcame this world and is bringing about a new and better one (Jn 16:33). It is this hope that believers cling to, and it is their faith that makes hope possible. Jesus came to earth to seek and save those who were lost and wandering from him (Lk 19:10). He came to establish a way for people to enter into his kingdom and find the peace he offers. Believers find peace with God, knowing that their sins are forgiven, and they can rely on the presence of a holy God, both now and forever. And they experience peace knowing that they will, one day, inhabit a world ruled by God himself that is free from violence, where peace reigns supreme.

Content adapted from The Jesus Bible, NIV Edition.

Bible Study

More
  • the over scheduled woman

    The Over-Scheduled Woman

    It is so common for women to think that they need to... Read more
  • He is Not Here

    He Is Not Here

    The death of Jesus, the death of God, was the most... Read more
  • god encourages the humble

    God Encourages the Humble

    God encourages the humble and discourages the proud.... Read more

Comfort

More
  • the over scheduled woman

    The Over-Scheduled Woman

    It is so common for women to think that they need to... Read more
  • He is Not Here

    He Is Not Here

    The death of Jesus, the death of God, was the most... Read more
  • Jesus is All We Need

    Jesus is All We Need

    Humans are fundamentally needy. But how can we find... Read more

Devotional Reading Plans

More
  • the over scheduled woman

    The Over-Scheduled Woman

    It is so common for women to think that they need to... Read more
  • a saving faith

    A Saving Faith

    What does saving faith in Jesus Christ look like? The... Read more
  • What is Scripture Engagement?

    Scripture Engagement is more than just a regular Bible... Read more

Prayer

More
  • A Top 100 Most-Asked Question About the Bible for the New Year

    Many people who read the Bible don't understand what... Read more
  • teach your children to pray for others

    Teach Your Children to Pray for Others

    This study from the NIV Adventure Bible can help you... Read more
  • Scripture Engagement Practice Picture It

    Scripture Engagement Practice: Picture It

    Picture it, one of the practices found in the abide... Read more

SpeakLight

More
  • Romans 8:28 SpeakLight Danny Gokey

    Romans 8:28 / #SpeakLight / Danny Gokey

    And we know that all things work together for good to... Read more
  • James 5:16 - Steven Malcolm

    James 5:16 / #SpeakLight / Steven Malcolm

    Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for... Read more
  • 2 corinthians 5:17 phil joel

    2 Corinthians 5:17 with Phil Joel

    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new... Read more

Spiritual Growth

More
  • How to Love like Jesus

    When asked, Jesus gave a great example of what it... Read more
  • god encourages the humble

    God Encourages the Humble

    God encourages the humble and discourages the proud.... Read more
  • Jesus is All We Need

    Jesus is All We Need

    Humans are fundamentally needy. But how can we find... Read more

Topical Reading Plans

More
  • He is Not Here

    He Is Not Here

    The death of Jesus, the death of God, was the most... Read more
  • What is the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible

    What is the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible?

    Many people have found the Thompson Chain-Reference... Read more
  • who really was jesus

    Who really was Jesus?

    The author of the book of Hebrews explained, using... Read more