Matthew 10:34-36
34″Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 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 – 36a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.
As a pacifist, I have to admit that I just don’t understand this passage. At all. Would love to hear your thoughts.
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Erin posted this comment on FB."He didn't come to give us a 'cushy, let's everyone get along' view of life. I think sometimes the sword is what I've felt when he is killing my flesh – cutting out the nastiness of sin in my life so I become like him. I think it also goes along with deny yourself and picking up your cross… he wants to be not only the most important person in your life but your life. In v.35, doesn't that happen when someone decides to follow Christ and their family isn't? I've heard a number of stories from the Muslim world that make me know this is true. He didn't come to make us feel good, he came to give us truth. His truth is the sword that causes division. Division because we humans don't want to be told what we are doing is wrong."
I like what Erin said. I like that you posted this as I was wondering the same thing! I think as Christians we need to know how to be intellectual with the kind of answers to questions like this.
I interpret this almost precisely the way the anonymous commenter above does. The truth is often sharp. It most often goes against the grain, which is not comfortable. We want it easy. We want (especially us Americans in our "safe" world) a cushy Christianity that lets us blur the lines between our idols. (nation, materialism, sex, etc) Were Christ here today, I don't believe he would be any more happy with the current reality than he was with the Pharisees 2000 years ago. Christ also embodied political subversion. His existence challenged humanity's tendency toward imperial power. Never will opposing imperial, economic, or religious power bring you the cushy lifestyle we think we want.
I agree also
The sword that Jesus is talking about is to speak the word of God. The word is our sword and we use it not to kill but to bring life to those in need. The truth helps people to feel again. It doesn’t bring physical cuts rather it digs into the hearts of those it is spoken to and removes scars that exist because of numbness. As we usher in the Kingdom we will lead people to health and restoration through the truth of God.
People must stop attempting to seek justice & righteousness by the sword, and submit to the LORD. As the people of God it is imperative that we do not wage war like men of this world, but take action with God in order to establish his Kingdom on earth.