With so many difficult, even devastating, things going on around us in our community, nation, and world, I initially did not find any peace in Matthew 10:34-35! Oh my…! Are you kidding me, Jesus??!!
This passage has confused, challenged, and bothered me!
“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…’”
Matthew 10:34-35
This passage alone cannot determine our view of Jesus’ heart for people and families! Left alone, this passage is upsetting to me. This is where context matters. We know the Bible speaks of God being a God of peace — that Jesus is peace and gives peace!
I don’t believe Jesus is promoting violence or division. I believe He is addressing the truth of devotion to God in a broken world. I think Jesus is exposing hearts, challenging motives and heart decisions. The “sword” is not about creating division but challenging our allegiance and devotion to God!
I believe Jesus is not saying, “Choose me over your family.” I think He’s saying, “Love me first and foremost.”
The heart of God is not division — but devotion.
If you continue reading the chapter, you’ll see the character of God. The “sword” of Jesus isn’t about dividing relationships. I believe it’s about challenging and calling us as Christ-followers to be fully devoted disciples!
My ongoing prayer for all of us, our NHM ‘ohana, is to grow mānoa in love with our God as fully devoted followers!
