Blessed are the Peacemakers – Ceasefire in the Middle East

The world awakens today to a remarkable moment of gratitude: a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered under the leadership of President Donald Trump, bringing an end to what has been called the “12-Day War.” If you are like me, my mind immediately went to what Jesus said as I contemplated the events of the past few days. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:9 resonate deeply: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” As I listened to the news and read about this major turn of events in the Middle East, I could not help but be full of gratitude and earthly hope. Over the past several months, I have followed these events with a heavy heart, praying for God’s will to be done in the Middle East – preserving the lives of Israelis, Palestinians, and Iranians, that peace may prevail for the advancement of the gospel. Having recently returned from Greece, where I was privileged to preach to a crowd of Iranian refugees and hear their testimony of salvation, concern for family and friends in Iran, and the explosiveness of Christianity in Iran, I have paid even more attention than normal. In addition to all of these things, one of our US Army chaplains from Sonrise is deployed in the midst of this hot zone. As I contemplated these events, here are a few thoughts related to the immediate historical context of this conflict, the biblical meaning of Matthew 5:9, its implications for President Trump’s role, and some practical takeaways for our lives as we seek to honor Christ in our response.

Brief History of the “12-Day War” between Israel and Iran

President Donald Trump initially issued a 60-day ultimatum to Iran to negotiate a deal regarding its nuclear program. This was part of an effort to give diplomacy a chance before Israel’s planned strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. President Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off on attacks during this period to allow for negotiations, which took place in Oman.

The day after the 60-day ultimatum was up, on June 13, 2025, Israel launched a surprise airstrike on Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and what it described as a “terror axis.” Israel’s stated goal was to neutralize Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which it claimed were quickly advancing toward weaponization. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks, striking Israeli military and civilian targets, including a hospital in Beersheba, killing several and wounding dozens. The conflict, dubbed the “12-Day War,” escalated rapidly, with Israel conducting over 50 airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, while Iran launched barrages of ballistic missiles.

The United States initially maintained a defensive posture, but on June 21, President Trump authorized “Operation Midnight Hammer,” striking three Iranian nuclear enrichment sites, significantly crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran responded with a limited missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar, which caused no casualties but heightened tensions. Amid fears of an all-out regional war, President Trump, with diplomatic assistance from Qatar, announced a ceasefire on June 23, effective early June 24. Despite initial violations, including Iranian missile strikes on Beersheba and Israeli counterstrikes on Tehran, both nations have confirmed the truce, raising hopes for lasting peace in the region. This rapid de-escalation, facilitated by American intervention, seemingly marks a pivotal moment in current Middle East dynamics.

The Peacemakers in Matthew 5:9

To understand Matthew 5:9, we must place it within the context of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the characteristics of kingdom citizens. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) describe the blessed life of those who follow Christ, progressing from spiritual poverty (v. 3) to humility, righteousness, mercy, and purity (vv. 4-8). Peacemaking, in verse 9, flows from these qualities, culminating in a life that reflects God’s character.

The term “peacemakers” refers to those who actively pursue peace, not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of harmony rooted in righteousness. Technically, to be a Matthew 5:9 peacemaker, one must have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In other words, one must stand in the righteousness of Christ and reflect the righteous character of Jesus Christ.

John MacArthur, in his commentary on Matthew, emphasizes that biblical peacemaking is not passive or compromising:

“The peace of which Christ speaks in this beatitude, and about which the rest of Scripture speaks, is unlike that which the world knows and strives for. God’s peace has nothing to do with politics, armies and navies, forums of nations, or even councils of churches. It has nothing to do with statesmanship, no matter how great, or with arbitration, compromise, negotiated truces, or treaties. God’s peace, the peace of which the Bible speaks, never evades issues; it knows nothing of peace at any price. It does not gloss or hide, rationalize or excuse. It confronts problems and seeks to solve them, and after the problems are solved it builds a bridge between those who were separated by the problems. It often brings its own struggle, pain, hardship, and anguish, because such are often the price of healing. It is not a peace that will be brought by kings, presidents, prime ministers, diplomats, or international humanitarians. It is the inner personal peace that only He can give to the soul of man and that only His children can exemplify. … The essential fact to comprehend is that the peace about which Jesus speaks is more than the absence of conflict and strife; it is the presence of righteousness. Only righteousness can produce the relationship that brings two parties together. Men can stop fighting without righteousness, but they cannot live peaceably without righteousness. Righteousness not only puts an end to harm, but it administers the healing of love” (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew 1-7, pages 210-11).

MacArthur underscores that true peacemakers are those who, having been reconciled to God through Christ, work to bring others into that same reconciliation, often at great personal cost.

Jerry Bridges, in his book The Blessing of Humility, connects peacemaking to humility, noting that pride fuels conflict while humility fosters peace. In chapters 7-8, Bridges summarizes this idea of a peacemaker emphasizing that humility seeks the good of others and the glory of God, even when it means laying aside personal rights or ambitions. The humble person is a peacemaker because he values reconciliation over self-assertion. In the context of Matthew 5:9, Bridges suggests that peacemakers emulate Christ, who humbled Himself to reconcile us to God (Phil 2:5-8). Thus, peacemaking requires humility, courage, and a commitment to God’s truth, not a superficial truce that ignores sin or injustice.

Further, Matthew 5:9 promises that peacemakers “shall be called sons of God,” reflecting their likeness to the Father, who is the ultimate source of peace (Rom 15:33). This title signifies both a privilege and responsibility, as God’s children, those who are in Jesus Christ, are called to mirror His reconciling work in a world torn by strife.

Matthew 5:9 as It Applies to President Donald Trump

President Trump’s role in brokering the ceasefire invites reflection on Matthew 5:9. This blog does not assert that the President is or is not a Christian, only God knows his heart (1 Sam 16:7), we can consider some of his actions in light of biblical principles. President Trump’s diplomatic efforts, including his engagement with Qatar’s Emir and coordination with Israel and Iran, demonstrate a pursuit of peace that averted a broader regional catastrophe. His decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites, while controversial, was framed as a means to force Iran to the negotiating table, aligning with his demand for an end to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The ceasefire, though imperfect, has paused a conflict that claimed hundreds of lives and threatened both Middle East and global stability.

From a biblical perspective, President Trump’s actions partially reflect the peacemaking described in Matthew 5:9. His willingness to mediate, even after military escalation, suggests an intent to restore order. However, true peacemaking, as Jesus explains which MacArthur and Bridges emphasize, is rooted in righteousness and humility. A leader’s motives must align with God’s glory, seeking reconciliation that honors justice and truth. If President Trump’s efforts were driven by political expediency or national “America First” interest alone, they fall short of the kingdom ideal. Yet, if guided by a desire to protect lives and promote stability, they better align with the broader principle of peacemaking.

The application for President Trump, as for any leader, is to pursue peace with humility, seeking God’s wisdom (James 1:5) and prioritizing righteousness over pride or power. Scripture calls leaders to be servants (Mark 10:42-45), and peacemaking requires laying aside personal agendas for the greater good. As followers of Jesus Christ, we pray for President Trump and all leaders to govern with integrity, trusting God to work through imperfect vessels for His purposes (1 Tim 2:1-2) [See link below under Looking Backwards].

Implications for You and Me

As we reflect on this ceasefire and Matthew 5:9, consider these practical implications for your walk with Christ and testimony as a follower of Jesus Christ:

Pursue Peace in Your Relationships: Like Christ, seek reconciliation in your family, church, and your personal community. Seek to address conflict with humility, speaking truth in love (Eph 4:15), and aim for restoration, not victory.

Embrace Humility as a Peacemaker: As Jerry Bridges reminds us, pride fuels division, but humility builds bridges. Consider where you can lay aside your rights to promote peace, trusting God to defend you (1 Pet 5:6-7).

Pray for Leaders and Nations: The ceasefire in the Middle East is fragile. Pray for President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Iranian leaders to seek lasting peace rooted in justice. Join other followers of Christ worldwide by interceding for the Middle East, that God’s peace would prevail (Ps 122:6).

Reflect God’s Character: Peacemakers are called “sons of God” because they mirror His heart. Let your words and actions point others to the Prince of Peace, who reconciles us to God and clothes us in His righteousness (Is 9:6; Col 1:20).

Keep Your Attention on Peace not Personalities: Focus your gratitude on what God may be using the President and other key actors in this conflict to accomplish as part of His will. This is not the time to spike a political football, if you have been a President Trump supporter; rather, in humility, praise God for answered prayer of lives saved, suffering averted, and further opportunities for the gospel. If you have been a critic of President Trump, in humility, praise God for using him in this instance as well. A heart of gratitude toward God for using President Trump speaks more about your heart toward God than your attitude toward the President. Rejoice in what God seemingly is doing, as He is answering our prayers through each of these individuals.

The ceasefire in the Middle East is a moment to praise God for His mercy and to recommit ourselves to His call. May we, as peacemakers, shine as lights in a world desperate for the peace only Christ can give. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

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Looking Backwards – what we published about hope the day after President Trump’s inauguration: Our True Hope in this New Trump Administration