Not Peace But A Sword?

Matt. 10:34-37

This week we will consider another difficult saying of Jesus, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”  This saying of Christ is difficult because it appears to be in conflict with other passages such as the message of the angels on the night of his birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).  Indeed, Christ’s words here simply do not sound right coming from the lips of the Prince of Peace.”

Let me be clear, Jesus did not advocate violence or conflict.  On the contrary, he taught his disciples to offer no resistance when they were mistreated or attacked for his sake.  Our Lord expects us to be peaceful.  He says in Matt. 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.”  How then could He have said he came to bring a sword?

We can better understand what our Lord is saying if we first look at the context.  If we read a little further, to verse thirty-six we learn that Jesus goes on to explain saying in the end, “A man’s foes shall be of his own household.”  We can also look at the way other writers recorded what is said here.    The inspired writer Luke records this saying a little differently in Luke 12:51-52: “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth?  I tell you, Nay, but rather division: for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.”

Next, consider the sad fact that very often the gospel of peace did in fact divide houses, and still it does today.  In the verses considered it is clear that Jesus is not speaking of the purpose of his coming but the effect.   How shameful it is that, as a race, humans have stained and tarnished the beautiful message of the gospel of our salvation.  Jesus taught love, tolerance, mercy and forgiveness.  In our hands His message too often becomes one of intolerance, judgment, and condemnation.

Finally, beloved,  know that Jesus did bring peace to mankind.  His life’s work was for the purpose of reconciling sinful man with a holy God.  He was the only one who could do it.  Because He loved us He laid down His life and became a bridge to the Father across which all men can freely walk.

Keep in mind also that many of our number will be at Camp Leatherwood this week.  Let us all pray that God bless them with a safe and fun week as well as one that is spiritually fruitful.

Looking forward to being with you,

Thomas Sneed

Pond Church of Christ