Ephesians 2:14-16  “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinance, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”

Those who come to Jesus will experience true peace.

The angels’ declaration of peace went beyond the absence of explicit hostilities. Temporary ceasefires that don’t address the underlying hostility or begrudging acceptance won’t bring about world peace.

Instead, peace refers to reconciliation with God, which is the reason Jesus came to earth.

Since Adam and Eve’s disobedience severely impacted our connection with God. Sin ruined our intimacy with God, our friendship with others, and our self-satisfaction.

Paul addressed the conflict between Jews and non-Jews in that church in his epistle to the Ephesians. We were cut off from God’s covenants, from His pledge to send a Redeemer, and from His chosen people, the nation of Israel. Our predicament was bleak (Ephesians 2:12).

Then Christ arrived.

Jesus broke down the wall of animosity and all the barriers that separated Jews from Gentiles and kept people from interacting with one another. The sinless Jesus fulfilled the Law that no human could ever follow and then died on the cross. Jesus created the link reuniting us with God.

Peace comes from Jesus and through Jesus.

All who come to God must do so through Jesus, who makes peace with both us and our foes.

To those who are close to God and those who are far from God, Jesus teaches peace and reconciliation (Ephesians 2:17).

In Christ, we find the means to mended relationships with our relatives and former friends as well as restored intimacy with God.

Jesus brings peace to our souls.