[Jesus said] “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. 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—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.'” Matthew 10:32-36
Peace and Hostility
When Jesus was born, angels from heaven sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). Jesus came to establish peace between God and all people by taking the guilt of their sin on himself and suffering their death penalty for sin. Because of Jesus, we are free from the guilt and punishment of our sin. Washed clean by the blood of Jesus, we have peace with God. That’s why Isaiah the prophet declared that Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Yet Jesus said, “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” And he quoted from the prophet Micah that his coming would cause hostility even among family members (Micah 7:6).
Jesus was the bringer of peace and at the same time the bringer of hostility. He brought peace between us and the Father—a peace that is founded on the forgiveness of sins and looks forward confidently to the hope of heaven. But in our lives now in this world, the message about Jesus creates difficulty, strife and pain for Christians. There are those, maybe even some who are close to us, who reject the way of salvation through Jesus. They oppose Christ and as a result oppose what we believe and live for.
As difficult as it sometimes is to live our faith and confess Jesus, God can use our testimony to turn the hearts of people, even those who silently or loudly oppose us. Keep praying for them and as you have opportunity talk with them about Jesus that he is their Savior, too.
Prayer:
Jesus, I praise you for the peace that you give me. Help me to share that peace with others even when it is difficult. Amen.
