Today’s Scripture is one that some might find puzzling. It seems to contradict all that we picture the Lord Jesus to be. There are some, including some preachers, that actually just avoid this passage altogether. They do not like the idea of some of the words contained in this Scripture, some even doubting if these were actually the words of Jesus. Let’s look into this portion of the Gospel and see what Jesus has said.
Many of us know one of the many different names of Jesus, names that refer or describe His many characteristics, and that being the name of Prince of Peace. However, as we read the opening verse of our Scripture we read that Jesus said that He did not come to bring peace, but a sword (vs. 34). What could Jesus mean with His words here? As He continues, Jesus describes that He will set various family members against each other (vs. 35-36). This does not sound much like a Prince of Peace.
There are many believers who come from a non-believing family, particularly a family who is antagonistic against the Bible. When they got saved, started following Jesus and believing the Bible, their family strongly turned against them. Fathers and mothers turned against their sons and daughters, or those children turning against parents who may have come to Jesus. Husbands turn against wives, and vice versa. Siblings stop speaking to one another, and even one-time friends turn away. All of this sometimes comes about when a person accepts Jesus as their Savior. As He said, a sword seems to come, not peace.
The peace of God is not the result of living any way we want to. It comes from living a godly life, a life of obedience and faith in the Lord. Jesus brings a sword, dividing those who are living in sin from the righteous. He who is a friend of the world is an enemy of God (James 4:4). If you are true to Jesus, others will resent our uncompromising commitment. A dedicated and loyal Christian will do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. The Christian, truly committed to the Lord, will make enemies.
There are some who think that having peaceful relationships with everyone, especially within the family, is most important. In order to have such peace, they say we should not speak about the Lord, or to relax some of our convictions for the sake of harmony. Jesus says here that those who are His followers are not to ignore deep differences just to have superficial harmony. Conflicts and disagreements will arise between those who follow Him and those who don’t. This can separate friends and loved ones.
As we continue reading, Jesus says that we cannot become His disciples unless we place Him as our top priority, which may very well cause unbelieving family members to reject us (vs. 37). Jesus Christ must come first in all things, to the exclusion of everything else. The Christian life is not one that is unchallenging or effortless. He demands total commitment and surrender from believers (vs. 38-39). We must be willing to publicly identify with Jesus. That frequently brings opposition. But faithful believers will be willing to face suffering and death for His sake.
Jesus concludes this Scripture by reminding His followers that when they go out into the world bringing His message, those who receive them will in essence be receiving Him, and they will receive a reward (vs. 40-42). He who receives Jesus’ followers, receives Him. Do we do what we can to help those who work for the Lord? Jesus says that we will receive a reward for that. How much we love God can be measured by how well we treat others, particularly those who preach and teach His message. God doesn’t only reward big jobs and important works. Even the smallest service done to the most insignificant of Christ’s servants shall be rewarded by the Lord. He rewards obedience, no matter how small or insignificant it seems to us. Even a cup of cold water given to a thirsty disciple will not be overlooked on Judgment Day.
In closing, it is important to remember that sometimes our decision to follow Jesus may bring conflict with others, including our family and former friends. A faithful and committed believer will stand true for the Savior. It is better to have brief warfare and then eternal rest than to have a false peace and then everlasting torment. Jesus promises to reward those who faithfully follow and serve Him.
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