Photo and Commentary (c)2026 by Shelley Schurch
Sunday, February 1, 2026
I was told by people who were there that as a young child I never sucked my thumb or used a pacifier. This was not due to any strong will power on my part, but to the fact that I could not breathe well through my nose. I remember being described by what I thought was an unlovely term as a “mouth breather.” All this was remedied with nasal surgery at age 18, and it seemed much too late at that point to take up the habit.
So I have no first-hand knowledge of pacifiers, such as the one in the photo above, which we found on the sidewalk which borders our neighborhood park. But I have seen them calm many a fussy child, and have heard parents and pediatricians discuss the pros and cons of their use.
And yes, this pacifier makes me think of Jesus.
The variety of dictionaries I consulted offered a handful of definitions for the word “pacify” – soothe, appease, subdue, calm, bring peace to a place. It’s traced back to the Latin word meaning “to make peace.”
Isn’t that just like Jesus?
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
And yet . . . there’s also this jolting verse, words clearly spoken by Jesus Himself:
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
What??? Jesus, Prince of Peace, Peace-giver, Lord of Peace . . . what’s going on here?!!
I think that’s the key – let’s see what is going on here; let’s check the context.
When I read the whole chapter, I find that it begins with Jesus calling His twelve disciples to Him and preparing them for their first mission trip. First He gives them power, then He describes their assignment, then gives them encouragement and warnings. And that’s where His disturbing “no peace” statement comes in.
At least this used to disturb me. But hearing His words now in context, I don’t see Jesus contradicting Who He is, or what He came to do. I believe He’s preparing His disciples for the reality that His gospel message is not always going to be received as good news. Not everyone is attracted to His kingdom, preferring their kingdom of self. In that sense, He comes not to pacify, but to polarize.
He’s describing what will happen, not by His choice, but by His listeners’ choices. He is still the Giver of Peace to all who will accept it, to all who will choose His kingdom.
When we do accept His gift and choose His kingdom, He invites us to suit up in His armor. The apostle Paul describes our opponents, and then our armor and weapons, including the gospel of peace:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Time to suit up for a new day and a new month – God’s peace be with you and yours!