I came not to bring peace, but a sword / Be prepared for division

What did Jesus mean

Be prepared for division. It is a warning.

Where did Jesus say this

Matthew 10:34–36 — “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.’”

What Jesus did not mean

Fight people with a sword. And if you actually thought that, then you probably need to pray more and stop watching so much TV.

To drive this point home, in the following verse (conversation), Jesus uses “division” instead of sword — because that’s what it meant.

Luke 12:51–52 — “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.”

Jesus also did not mean that you are destined to fight with your family. Or even destined to fight with anyone at all. However, he knew better.

When you believe in something very deeply and know that it is right with all of your heart, then division is almost guaranteed.

For some, taking up the cross (following Jesus and living like he did) may involve minimal division (pushback). But for others, following Jesus may involve hardships like you’ve never imagined. Typically, these hardships are felt person-to-person. People may not understand why you want to follow Jesus. And unfortunately, that misunderstanding could lead to lost friendships, familial bonds, or romantic relationships.

In other words, you can keep your swords sheathed — but you need to keep your mind sharp.

Where to start

Stay connected to the vine.

Talk to Jesus every day. And as much as you can.

Ask Jesus for guidance in better understanding yourself and others. Ask him to help you make those hard choices.

Let Jesus take the wheel (maybe sometimes literally).

During these conversations with Jesus and yourself, you will be shown who to bring in closer and who to let go.

Although it might look impossible on the surface, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you’re shown — as long as you keep an open mind and an open heart.

Remember, Jesus lives inside us all, and he has your best interests at heart. He wants his home inside you to be nice and fuzzy. Not full of tar and turmoil.

Benefits

Strength.

If you choose to overlook the possibility for division, you are choosing to be naive.

If you choose to embrace the possibility for division, you are choosing to be strong.