Restating the Truth

Scripture: Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ Matthew 10:34-36

Observation: Jesus is teaching his disciples, and here clarifies his mission and purpose. He is not here to bring peace. Instead, his existence will divide people. There will be those who believe, and those who do not, and Jesus does not intend for people with these different believes to be peaceable. Those who don't believe will be against those who do. More interestingly, those who do believe should be against those that don't.

This opposition is not hate or anger, but it is resolute. It is a firmness of belief that is stronger than even family ties. If someone believes in Jesus, and their own family doesn't, then they are opposed to each other in this matter.

Furthermore, this was not a new idea. Jesus didn't make this up! He is merely quoting Micah. This should have been the understanding of what faith in Messiah was always going to be about ... that faith represents the truth about God, and those opposed to faith are therefore opposed to God's will and purposes.

Application: It is always surprising how often Jesus had to restate the truth about matters because everyone wanted him to be something else. He quotes several prophets who already spoke about him, just today showing that faith in him will be a divisive matter, and that he is in fact the Messiah as proven by his specific miracles.

Believers today want Jesus to fit their opinions about what a savior should be, and not the facts about who Jesus was. Do I do this? Do I prefer his mercy more than his justice, or his love more than his instruction, or his resurrection more than his sacrifice?

I do want certain "good" things in life as provided by Jesus. However, it is important to receive Jesus as he is, and not as we wish. Obedience, learning, discipleship, and sacrifice are all part of the truth about Jesus, just as much as forgiveness, love, mercy, and salvation.

Prayer: Lord, this day, may I know that I follow a savior who also expects me to serve obediently. I am to do as you told me to do, and not just believe what you said to believe. Give me this day not just my daily bread, but also the chance to do my daily work, to pick up my cross. Amen.