34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword [of division between belief and unbelief]. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his [own] household [when one believes and another does not].

37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] is not worthy of Me. 39 Whoever finds his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], and whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].

Matthew 10:34-39 (AMP)

Results of confession

In the last passage, Jesus talked about confession and denial of Him before men. We saw that the consequence (I presume for non-believers) of denial of Christ is denial by Him – and eternal consequences. Confession of Him also has its pains and sufferings. Today’s passage elaborates. I chose the AMP since I like the text it adds to explain the passage (using [ ]). 

Bringing peace

In Luke 2:13-15, at the announcement of the birth of Jesus, the myriad of angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.” How can Jesus say He didn’t come to bring peace? 

“The message of Jesus – as reflected in the Sermon on the Mount – is indeed a message of peace. Yet since it calls the individual to a radical commitment to Jesus Himself, it is a message of peace that divides between those who choose it and those who reject it. The division between these two choices explains how Jesus did not come to bring peace but a sword.” (enduringword.com) It’s not that Jesus will cause these divisions; rather, belief in Him will result in them. 

Split by belief

This division by belief is serious and affects the followers of Christ deeply. Jesus wants His disciples (and us) to know these are some of the sufferings and persecution His disciples may suffer. Within families, believing in Christ should actually lead to division. If it doesn’t, it’s due to either God’s mercy or, it’s a sign that the believer may not be truly following Christ. If such a split exists, we should not fear it or be anxious. God is in control. He can, and does, work it out for good, His good. (Romans 8:28)

Give up all

Jesus’ disciples need to make a decision that nothing and no one is more worthy of their praise and devotion than Christ. We need to be willing to die to ourselves – our desires, our hopes, our loves – in favor of Him. Jesus also calls this “losing ourselves”. We need to Delight ourselves in the Lord so He can give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). I’ve heard of an acronym for the word faith: Forsaking All I Take Him.

RЯeflection

• This is a challenge for us. We should evaluate our faith. Is it genuine enough that it results in the trials and tribulations Jesus promised (John 16:33)? One example we see here today is division in relationships.