At Christmas we sing of “Peace on Earth, and Good will toward all men” as we sing and think of the lyrics to some of he Christmas hymns we get lulled into the belief that part of Jesus purpose was to bring peace to the earth. As we face adversity in life, persecution for our faith or sharing the Gospel many will stop sharing and question why the persecution.
Of course for most believers in the western world they have face little persecution because they have only shared the gospel a few times or the greatest level of resistance they have faced is a closed door or cold shoulder.
As Jesus finished giving instructions to his disciples before sending them out the share the news of the kingdom he gave a second warning. This warning was a little stronger than the first. In verse 34 he clearly states that he did not come to earth to bring “peace” but to bring a “sword”. An instrument of hand to hand, close combat. The weapon of choice for personal protection in Jesus day.
The enemy was not from opposing religious groups, opposing ethnic groups or far away countries. The enemy would be in the homes and families of believers. Fathers against children, children against parents, mother in laws against spouses of their children. The swords would be drawn by those closest to the believers.
Families today can hinder and battle against the work a believer is called to do. Family members will have concern and request their children or parents not to follow the call to foreign lands, claiming a fear of personal safety for the believer. Family members will discourage believers from leaving the security of secular employment to follow the call of God into ministry. Family members will encourage the believer to put family ties above their relationship with God.
Jesus tells his disciples in verses 38 and 39 of Matthew 10 that believers must put him above family, and ” 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (ESV) This phrase is repeated in the Gospels by Jesus and was probably repeated by him to his disciples often.
Most of the teaching we receive about following Jesus centers on keeping the commandments and we will be blessed. Jesus emphasizes losing our life for him. Following him at all cost, even the cost of family members becoming enemies. This message should make most believers uncomfortable and cause each one to question how much they love Jesus.
When a person in Jesus day took up their cross they had been sentenced to die on the cross. They took up the cross to walk to the place of crucifixion. For all practical purposes the person was dead to family and friends when they took up the cross. Jesus tells his believers to take up their cross in Matthew 10:38. Take up your cross and follow Jesus today.