Wednesday
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”
(Matthew 10:34-36, NIV)
The context for today’s verses is Jesus’ instruction to his twelve disciples who he commissions to preach the gospel and heal diseases among the “lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:6). Jesus explicitly commands the twelve to travel light, depend on the hospitality of “worthy” persons, and expect resistance – possibly even beatings – because of the message that the “Kingdom of heaven is near” (10:7).
Jesus’ statement that he “did not come to bring peace, but a sword” is one of those difficult passages in Scripture that require careful study. If our beginning assumption is that Scripture does not contradict itself, since God is the author of truth and not deception or confusion, then Jesus’ words must be understood in relationship to Isaiah’s description of Jesus as the “Prince of Peace” (9:6) who comes with a message of peace (John 14:27). What, then, does Christ mean when he announces that he brings a sword?
Our devotional studies up to this point have established that God desires shalom for his creation and that he hates violence and conflict, although he will use war as an instrument of his judgment. We have also established that the prophets describe the promised Messiah as a king who will rule in righteousness and peace, a promise that Jesus identifies with when he begins his ministry. One thing therefore seems clear: Jesus is not advocating conflict or violence in these verses.
Jesus’ statement is meant to describe the effect of his coming, not the purpose of his coming. The Gospel message can, in fact, cause division. It may not bring harmony into a family’s life, but often will generate harsh conflict. Jesus knew about this because of his own personal experience: even his brothers did not believe in him until after the resurrection (John 7:5). By quoting Micah’s prophecy about conflict within families (Micah 7:6), Jesus is warning his followers that the cost of discipleship might be rejection by one’s own family. Being a follower of Jesus Christ requires a willingness to bear wounds, often painful wounds, from family and relatives who reject the Messiah.
Prayer
Lord God, protector of your people, prepare us for the cost of discipleship and the pain of facing division even within our own families. We pray for an openness to your grace by our own family members. Amen.