The Big Idea of this study is that peacemakers demonstrate that they are brothers and sisters of Jesus.

Our families of origin, for better or for worse, have a lot to do with our view of ourselves. Our nuclear family dynamic: conversations around the dinner table, on the way to school, and in front of the TV have a lasting impact. Those early impressions of who we are in the world and of our particular giftings and shortcomings tend to greatly influence our life’s trajectory.  This is why the Kingdom of God is such Good News.

We have been adopted into a new family. We are being shaped by a new paradigm.  Our trajectory has been altered by the grace of God. Our new family and in particular our new Father and Older Brother change just about everything about us. This is the gist of our text. Peacemakers (and we need to define that carefully) will be called Sons of God. Actually “children of God or sons and daughters of God” the intent of the original language is not to focus on the male gender. But the language definitely wants us to reflect on Jesus as the Son of God and our connection to him.

Peacemaking efforts must take into account the idea of “shalom.” This is the Hebrew way of viewing peace, not the absence of war, but the presence of wholeness or wellbeing. Sometimes efforts to achieve peace can be wrongheaded and end up making matters worse, especially if they are based on avoiding difficult issues or running from problems. Keeping in mind the idea of shalom helps to avoid that tendency.

Peacemakers, those who contribute to shalom, are recognized as brothers and sisters of Jesus, children of God.  This is at the heart of his work in the world, both globally and at the individual heart level. It is both good and beautiful to be a peacemaker.  It indicates our new identity as children in God’s family.

Questions for Discussion:

1.  When did you first become aware that your nuclear family largely influenced your life’s work and calling?  Was that a good thing?  Have you considered that if it was a bad thing, you need to forgive them?

2.  Discuss how the idea of shalom is different from the English word for peace.

3.  Try to think of Gospel stories that demonstrate the idea of shalom.  Doesn’t Jesus just exude shalom wherever he goes?

4.  Discuss the connection between shalom and the good and beautiful life.  Have you experienced moments when beauty and shalom meet together in a moment of time?

5.  Discuss this statement: “The Sermon on the Mount is not like the law ‘Do this and you will live’ but rather ‘Really live and you will do this.’”