August 22, 2025

Peace or No Peace? – August 22, 2025

3 minutes

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20250822fam.mp3

Listen to Devotion

Read: Luke 12:49-53

[Jesus said] “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Luke 12:49,51

Peace or No Peace?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever heard what the angels said when Jesus was born? They sang, “On earth, peace!” And the Bible also calls Jesus the “Prince of Peace.” That sounds nice, right?

But then Jesus says something that sounds a little confusing. He says, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division” (Luke 12:51).

Wait a second—peace or no peace? Which is it?

Jesus says . . . both!

Here’s what he means:

Jesus gives peace to those who believe in him. He makes everything right between us and God. He also helps believers love each other and live in peace.

But not everyone believes in Jesus. And when people don’t believe, it causes division. That means some people may not like you or understand you because you believe in Jesus. It can even divide family members and result in hatred against Christians.

Jesus said he came to bring “fire” to the earth. What does that mean? He’s talking about God’s Word. In the Bible, God’s Word is sometimes called a fire—it’s powerful and it changes things.

God’s Word does two big things:

It shows us our sin. It tells us we’ve done wrong and need help. That’s called the law.

It shows us our Savior. It tells us that Jesus died and rose again to forgive our sins and bring us back to God. That’s called the gospel.

When someone believes God’s Word, it gives peace, joy, and eternal life. When someone doesn’t believe, they don’t have peace with God.

That’s why Jesus says there is both peace and division. Praise God, he’s given us that faith and peace that lasts forever!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, there are so many hard things in the world that try to steal our peace. Thank you for giving us true peace that lasts forever. Help me share that peace with others. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Jesus says the world is divided into two groups of people. What are they? (People who believe in him and people who don’t.)

What is the “fire” Jesus brings with him to earth? (God’s Word—it’s strong and changes hearts.)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

God’s Word has two big jobs. What are they? (To show us our sin [the law] and to show us our Savior [the gospel].)

Can you think of a time you felt peace because you knew Jesus loves and forgives you? (Maybe after saying sorry, during prayer, or at church.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

How is it a comfort to you that God’s Word always works, even if we don’t see it right away? (Because we can trust God is doing something powerful every time we hear it or share it.)

If some people don’t have peace because they don’t know Jesus, what can you do? (Pray for them, be kind, talk about Jesus, invite them to church or Sunday School.)

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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