Jesus Brings a Sword?

Scripture: Matthew 10:34-36 (ESV)

³⁴  “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. ³⁶ And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.

Devotion:

At first glance, the words Jesus speaks in Matthew 10:34-38 seem startling and even unsettling. We often associate Jesus with peace and love, so the mention of a sword and division feels contradictory. However, these verses reveal a profound truth about the cost of discipleship and the Gospel's transformative power. This is a difficult text rarely preached in our churches' pulpits.

Jesus clarifies a common misconception: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus's peace is not the absence of conflict or superficial harmony. Instead, a deep, abiding peace with God often disrupts worldly relationships and values. The sword He brings symbolizes the division when individuals follow Him wholeheartedly.

“For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.” These verses highlight that allegiance to Christ can create tension and conflict even within families. When one decides to follow Jesus, it may mean abandoning previous loyalties and facing opposition from those closest to them. This division is not the goal, but a consequence of the radical nature of the Gospel.

Jesus further emphasizes the cost of discipleship by stating, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Here, Jesus calls His followers to prioritize their relationship with Him above all else, even above their dearest family ties. This is a call to supreme loyalty and devotion, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ.

Lastly, Jesus presents the ultimate challenge: “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” 'Taking up the cross' signifies embracing the suffering, sacrifice, and self-denial that come with following Jesus. It is a call to lay down our lives, our desires, and our comforts for the sake of the Gospel, just as Jesus did when He carried His cross to Calvary. It is a symbol of our willingness to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of our faith.

In reflecting on these verses, we are reminded that following Jesus is not a path of ease and comfort, but one of commitment and challenge. The sword of division may pierce through our relationships and worldly attachments, but it ultimately leads us to a deeper, more profound peace with God. As we take up our cross and follow Him, we find true life and purpose amid the struggle, a life that is truly fulfilling and satisfying.

May we have the courage to embrace the cost of discipleship, placing our ultimate trust and devotion in Jesus Christ, knowing that the peace He offers far surpasses any earthly understanding.

Prayer:

            Lord, help us live lives that honor you. If our obedience brings division rather than unity, help us through the hard times. Keep us humble and willing to be corrected but strong enough in your word to correct others when necessary. May we bring glory to your name even if we are temporarily ridiculed and rejected by the world. Let us seek to be faithful to you regardless of the consequences. Amen.