Jesus did NOT come to bring peace, but a sword

[tonychanyt]

Matthew 10:

34“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

But then, Isaiah 9:

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus himself is peace. Isaiah's prophecy was fulfilled in Luke 2:

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Paul confirmed this peace in Ephesians 2:

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Jesus himself is our peace. He gave us peace between God and us. It is inner peace, not external/worldly peace, at least not yet. He will come the second time to bring total peace.

 

[KevinT]

The sad truth has been that Jesus has been the point of contention in many wars in our history. Oil and water don't mix, and Jesus knew this. There was never a way that His truth was going to sit quietly with the errors of the world.

He wants there to be peace. And when everyone follows Him, there will be. But until then, there will be conflict.

Best wishes,
KT