War & Peace
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Matthew 10:34
Have you ever heard this verse before? It’s not one of the more culturally popular statements of Jesus. We like Prince of Peace, we like blessed are the peacemakers. But hang on, how does that work? If Jesus is also those things, how can He say here, I did not come to bring peace, but a sword?
The answer is all about timing and context. Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He sends them out to proclaim the good news about Him. The message they will bring, the message about Jesus, is a message of peace.
Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker because only through Him can sinners have peace with God. However, for those who bring this message of peace. Jesus is a sword that separates family from family and friend from friend.
I wonder if you’ve experienced this? Maybe in your family or friendship circles? I have to a certain extent. Jesus has been the topic of a fair few family disagreements.
I’ve also met people from around the world whose family don’t speak to them because of their faith in Jesus. It’s sad that this happens. But also understandable. It just shows that what you think about Jesus matters. He’s not a TV show or a type of chocolate. Jesus divides because He really matters.
This can cause anxiety and stress. But remember, Jesus is our peace. We can cast our anxieties on God because Jesus has ultimately brought us peace with Him.
Today:
Pray:
Matthew 10:34
Have you ever heard this verse before? It’s not one of the more culturally popular statements of Jesus. We like Prince of Peace, we like blessed are the peacemakers. But hang on, how does that work? If Jesus is also those things, how can He say here, I did not come to bring peace, but a sword?
The answer is all about timing and context. Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He sends them out to proclaim the good news about Him. The message they will bring, the message about Jesus, is a message of peace.
Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker because only through Him can sinners have peace with God. However, for those who bring this message of peace. Jesus is a sword that separates family from family and friend from friend.
I wonder if you’ve experienced this? Maybe in your family or friendship circles? I have to a certain extent. Jesus has been the topic of a fair few family disagreements.
I’ve also met people from around the world whose family don’t speak to them because of their faith in Jesus. It’s sad that this happens. But also understandable. It just shows that what you think about Jesus matters. He’s not a TV show or a type of chocolate. Jesus divides because He really matters.
This can cause anxiety and stress. But remember, Jesus is our peace. We can cast our anxieties on God because Jesus has ultimately brought us peace with Him.
Today:
- Has Jesus caused division in any of your relationships?
- How do you deal with that? What do you need to pray for?
- Do you find peace in Jesus and knowing you are at peace with God?
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He offers us peace in Jesus
- Give thanks for Jesus who is our peace and worthy even of division.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others find peace in Him.
Posted in Matthew
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