Connect Isaiah 57:19 with Jesus' teachings on peace in the New Testament. Isaiah 57:19—The Seed of a Promise “‘Peace, peace to the far and near,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will heal them.’” Who Are “the Far and Near”? • “Near” = Israel, already within the covenant circle • “Far” = the nations, outside that covenant The verse anticipates one healing word of peace that will embrace both groups. Jesus Enters With the Gift of Peace • John 14:27—“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” • John 16:33—“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace.” • Matthew 5:9—“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” In each statement Jesus offers the very quality Isaiah foresaw—divine, reconciling peace. Peace Spoken, Peace Accomplished • At Calvary, Jesus removes the barrier of sin that kept humanity “far” (Colossians 1:20). • His resurrection greetings—“Peace be with you!” (John 20:19, 21)—are the audible proof that the promise is now active. • He links peace to mission: the healed become heralds. Paul Connects the Dots Ephesians 2:13-17 quotes Isaiah 57:19 directly: “‘He preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.’” Key observations: – Jesus “Himself is our peace” (v. 14). – Through His blood, those far off are “brought near” (v. 13). – A single new humanity replaces the old divide (vv. 15-16). Living the Fulfilled Promise Today • Rest in the fact that Christ’s peace is already granted, not earned. • Invite others—both “near” (religious but restless) and “far” (unaware or skeptical)—into that peace. • Practice peacemaking as family traits of those healed by the Prince of Peace (Romans 12:18; James 3:18). |
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