We tend to think of Jesus as the Prince of Peace, and rightly so. Jesus was sent from God so as to reconcile sinful people to God (2 Cor.5:19-20). Every Christmas season, we are reminded of the beautiful words of Isaiah 9:6-7 promising a child, the Son of God Who would bring about great peace. In John 14:27, the Savior assured His disciples: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
But, contemplate the Messiah's jarring words in Matt.10:34b- "I came not to send peace, but a sword." A hard teaching, a blunt declaration, a harsh statement from One Who is popularly believed to accommodate all people without exception.
In point of spiritual fact, the Biblical Jesus divides people. Although Christ's mission was to bring peace between sinful humans and a Holy God, the effect of His preaching ministry divided people. The Savior prompted loyalty and love from His followers; He also provoked the enraged opposition of enemies. The Messiah's pronouncements and claims resulted in divided families: There were people who believed in His Lordship and other persons who did not. It is much the same today.
Jesus is the Great Divider. But, why should that bother us?
Throughout much of our American history, politics has divided people; but I know of no American who is suggesting the total abandonment of all political process. Sports franchises divide people, but most people don't give up on sports. People are divided over what constitutes the best diet, the most effective exercise program, and the wisest way to budget for the future. These are daily realities we live with.
The key issue is not that Jesus divides people, but that Jesus saves His people (Matt.1:21-23). The Great Son of God was sacrificed, and rose again from the dead, so that some human beings---persons of authentic faith in Him-- would be saved. The Sinless and Crucified and Victorious Messiah brings Christians to God by the gift of Himself.
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.." ---1 Pet.3:18a
But, contemplate the Messiah's jarring words in Matt.10:34b- "I came not to send peace, but a sword." A hard teaching, a blunt declaration, a harsh statement from One Who is popularly believed to accommodate all people without exception.
In point of spiritual fact, the Biblical Jesus divides people. Although Christ's mission was to bring peace between sinful humans and a Holy God, the effect of His preaching ministry divided people. The Savior prompted loyalty and love from His followers; He also provoked the enraged opposition of enemies. The Messiah's pronouncements and claims resulted in divided families: There were people who believed in His Lordship and other persons who did not. It is much the same today.
Jesus is the Great Divider. But, why should that bother us?
Throughout much of our American history, politics has divided people; but I know of no American who is suggesting the total abandonment of all political process. Sports franchises divide people, but most people don't give up on sports. People are divided over what constitutes the best diet, the most effective exercise program, and the wisest way to budget for the future. These are daily realities we live with.
The key issue is not that Jesus divides people, but that Jesus saves His people (Matt.1:21-23). The Great Son of God was sacrificed, and rose again from the dead, so that some human beings---persons of authentic faith in Him-- would be saved. The Sinless and Crucified and Victorious Messiah brings Christians to God by the gift of Himself.
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.." ---1 Pet.3:18a
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