#1424. He is our peace (6/1/26)
- Matt Beaney
- Jan 6
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we Continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
In our last devotional, we reflected on the importance of rehearsing and celebrating the ‘but now’ of God’s saving grace. Today, continuing in Ephesians 2, we ask:
What does it mean to have Jesus as our peace, and how does this shape every relationship in life?
To watch this devotional, please select the link below:
‘For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.’ (Ephesians 2:14-16)
1. We all need peace in different ways
Peace is something that we, I’m sure, all think is a good idea. When we think of peace, I guess that we desire it in different ways depending on what’s worrying us: Peace in that job, peace with that person, peace in your mental health, peace with your child, peace in that war-torn region… What’s worrying you right now? How do you want peace?
In this passage, Paul shows us that Jesus himself is the answer - not only to the great division between Jew and Gentile, but to every barrier and source of unrest in life.
2. Jesus is our peace
Paul’s words are breathtaking in their simplicity: ‘For he himself is our peace.’
Notice - peace is not just something Jesus gives, it is who He is. When we are united to Him, His peace becomes ours. His truth steadies us, His life restores us, His ways guide us. In every sphere of division, fear, or brokenness, we find peace only as we come to Him.
3. Jesus is our peace with others
Paul is addressing the hostility between Jews and Gentiles - God’s covenant people and the nations outside. Through the cross, Jesus has created ‘one new humanity.’ In Him, those who were once divided are now united. All who belong to Christ belong to one another.
'Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.’ (Galatians 3:7)
This means every believer - whatever background, ethnicity, or status - shares equal standing before God. The church is not a community we choose but a family Christ has formed by His blood. Pride, prejudice, and superiority have no place here.
4. Peace with God
Even deeper, Jesus has reconciled us to God: ‘…in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross…’
Every Christian - Jew or Gentile, religious or irreligious - comes to God the same way: through the cross. Not by our works, but entirely by grace. This truth humbles us and destroys pride. Nothing kills peace like self-righteousness, and nothing creates unity like shared dependence on Christ.
Response
In Jesus, we have peace with God, peace with others, and peace in the face of life’s fears. But this peace must be guarded and worked out daily.
Guard your peace with God by remembering the gospel, confessing and repenting quickly when you fall.
Work out peace with others by forgiving as Christ forgave you, and by choosing love even when it costs.
Seek peace in life’s anxieties through prayer and trust, as Paul reminds us:
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:6-7)
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
What about the Christmas period and New Year has inspired you in your faith?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
This week, we resume our Ephesians series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 2:11-22, was entitled: The Foundation for a New Year, The Foundation of Life.
Please ensure that everyone knows about, and knows how to access our daily devotions on the church website or other platforms.
Please read Ephesians 2:11-22 and discuss:
Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
As you go into the New Year, what are the many ways that we can build our lives and church on the 'Cornerstone', and how, personally, do you intend to do this in the New Year?
How does Jesus unite and bring peace to different kinds of people and how will this be seen in our community life?
v. 19-21 - What is God building us into and how will this affect our church, particularly, our devotion to meeting and praying together?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
What from these verses inspires or informs you in mission?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
Comments