Why Did Jesus Come To Bring A Sword Instead Of Peace?

I like Matthew Henry's commentary on it.


[1.] Look not for peace, but a sword, Christ came to give the sword of the word, with which his disciples fight against the world, and conquering work this sword has made (Rev. 6:4; 19:21), and the sword of persecution, with which the world fights against the disciples, being cut to the heart with the sword of the word (Acts 7:54), and tormented by the testimony of Christ's witnesses (Rev. 11:10), and cruel work this sword made. Christ sent that gospel, which gives occasion for the drawing of this sword, and so may be said to send this sword; he orders his church into a suffering state for the trial and praise of his people's graces, and the filling up of the measure of their enemies' sins.

[2.] Look not for peace, but division (v. 35), I am come to set men at variance. This effect of the preaching of the gospel is not the fault of the gospel, but of those who do not receive it. When some believe the things that are spoken, and others believe them not, the faith of those that believe condemns those that believe not, and, therefore, they have an enmity against them that believe. Note, the most violent and implacable feuds have ever been those that have arisen from difference in religion; no enmity like that of the persecutors, no resolution like that of the persecuted. Thus Christ tells his disciples what they should suffer, and these were hard sayings; if they could bear these, they could bear any thing. Note, Christ has dealt fairly and faithfully with us, in telling us the worst we can meet with in his service; and he would have us deal so with ourselves, in sitting down and counting the cost.

tgg said:

I was brought up in a Christian household and we've never had the problems he spoke about.

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I think thats because I've always interpreted that as talking about families who are not christians... My family is not a christian family and they don't get/understand why I would want to go on Beach Mission or overseas short term mission trips, or why I have commitments at church each week, or why I would give money to my church in the offering etc etc...

AS for the sword Jesus was fighting a battle against the devil... and even though he's won we're still fighting it now...

nb singpeace thanks for the commentaries... they were insightful

I, too, was brought up in a christian home, and have seen the work of the sword. I don't think it only applies to families who aren't christians. I have seen 2 of my brothers walk away from their upbringing and even among the others there are divided opinions on moral and faith issues.

The sword is the Word according to Ephesians 6:17, and Hebrews 4:12 tells us it cleaves the soul & spirit and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Word is the sword that Jesus brought, and it has the effect of polarising desires and opinions, which in turn may set family members at variance.

As for someone that was not really raised in a Christian household and now has become a bible believing Christian, I am usually at odds with just about everyone in my family, Cousins, Aunts, and Father.

It is not about fighting with them, but there is very little common ground and our relationships can be strained at times.

tgg said:

Read Matthew 10: 34 - 37
34“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.</SPAN> 35For I have come to turn</SPAN>
“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’e</SPAN>
37“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."

Discuss. Was Jesus being flippant, or did he mean what he said? I was brought up in a Christian household and we've never had the problems he spoke about.

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There is a reason why that is.

If I told you

you would be offended.

The sword is apparent in my house. Either you come together for Christ or the sword shall divide you. So true.

tgg said:

Discuss. Was Jesus being flippant, or did he mean what he said? I was brought up in a Christian household and we've never had the problems he spoke about.

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I could probably name a dozen people who've had this problem in a substantial way. Mostly they are from non-christian and non-western households. Outcomes have ranged from not being allowed to attend certain church functions to being ostracised from the family.

i can totally relate to that pasage. probably its not for everyone but it will become clear if it happens in your life. you should be glad that that passage does not speak to you.

I think a great analogy for understanding our life in the flesh is that of a dream. I've used this analogy before on this forum, and I'll use it again.

This world, as beautiful and immersive as it is, is not real. It is like a virtual reality simulation that has gone wrong. God could just pull the plug, and He will eventually, but to ease us back home, He sent His Son into the machine, to show us the way out.

By revealing the fake nature of this world, Jesus destroys the illusion; this is the sword he brings.

If one comes to the conclusion that this life isn't real, and yet must continue to live side by side with those who think it is real, there is going to be some antipathy. The things that seem important to the dreamer, will not be so important to the one who has been awakened. Sometimes the awake one will have to pretend and play along with the dreamers.

So the sword is figurative, as is the conflict between family members. Believers should not fight with others, but show them compassion and love at all times.

jonahthesign said:

The sword is apparent in my house. Either you come together for Christ or the sword shall divide you. So true.

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Oh so true. If only the christians in my family would stop bleating on about how sad it makes them that I am not a believer we wouldn't fight so much.