Although this is a new week, we continue on the topic of the cross. In today’s verses, I share two thoughts with you.
#1: The Cross brings a sword not peace
The Bible gives Jesus the title “Prince of Peace.” He gives us “peace with God” and the “peace of God.” He brings the greatest peace to hearts we can ever know. However, in this text we see in terms of human relationships that He also brought a sword, another
way of saying division.
When someone accepts the message of the cross, their faith will automatically offend
some. There will be a “sword” of division in that relationship.
#2: The Cross sometimes even divides families
Jesus tells us that to follow Him will bring division in the closest of familial relationships.
Sons and fathers, mothers and daughters will be divided by the offense of the cross.
Many have difficult family relationships because of their commitment to Jesus. Jesus
said that anyone who valued a human relationship more than Him is not worthy of Me.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:34-37
