The Meaning of Jesus Bringing A Sword, And Not Peace On Earth

You have heard of "peace on earth and good will towards men."

And, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

But what did Jesus mean when He said:

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34)

"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." (Matt. 10:35)

We will explain what Jesus is saying. First, briefly, please understand this:

Christ is known as the Prince of Peace, even though He said, "I came not to send peace, but a sword" on earth.

A sword cuts things off and divides:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

A person's faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ sometimes cuts off and divides people of the same household.

"And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." (Matthew 10:36)

When Jesus spoke the above prophesy, found in the Gospel according to Matthew, He was warning the world that the truth He preached would bring the opposite of peaceful calm in human relations: a war of words among close relatives and housemates will ensue as a result of His ministry.

His preaching, teaching, healing and miracle work would not overthrowh the Roman Empire or usher in the age of peace among men that is characteristic of the Kingdom of God - at least not just yet.

This Kingdom Age of peace, free from any kinds of wars, will be installed upon Christ's return to judge the world.

When Jesus said that He had come to bring "not peace but a sword," He meant that this would be the effect of his coming. Not that it was the purpose of his coming.

Lifestyles and idealogies would clash because of Him.

His central purpose was to serve as a royal one-time sacrifice, being born King of the Jews, laying down His life on the cross of crucifixion, for the remission of sins, appeasing God.

Christ was crucified, arose from the dead after three days, like He said He would, then showed Himself alive to some 500 people before commissioning His disciples to spread the Gospel.

After conquering death and the grave, Jesus granted eternal life in the approaching Kingdom of Heaven to whosoever believes in Him.

He said that whosover does not take up a cross and follow Him is not worthy of him. (Matthew 10:11)

He came to give rest to those of us who believe in Him: those of us who labor and are heavy laden. He will give our souls rest: a calming inner peace.

He also provided peace between Holy Almighty God and us sinful humans: our reconcilliation with our Creator through His sacrifice on the cross, as the Lamb of God.

And, through Him, there is also a peaceful unification between Jews and non-Jews, "Gentiles," in coming together as God's co-chosen people, if you will.

Another one of the Prince of Peace's divine purposes in manifesting Himself as a man, on earth, with a human nature, is explained in the Holy Scriptures:

"Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." (John 18:37)

And those who refuse to listen to Jesus's truth will be in conflict with those who do.

"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." (Matt. 10:35)

As the elect of God, our commission is to spread The Gospel, including to our unveliebing fathers, daughters, mothers and in laws.

Christ's "sword on earth" metaphor foretold how people in the world may or may not respond to the Gospel.

Jesus will bring a conquering sword when He returns to win the Battle of Armageddon and save Israel from the world's invading armies.

That is a whole different story.

See our related posts:

Peace, Love And Soul: The Gospel Of Peace Concisely Explained