How Good Was Jesus With A Sword?
Preaching
Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees
And 149 Other Sermon Ideas
Purpose Statement: Did Jesus mean what he said about dividing a family, one member against another?
A pastor could do an extensive series of sermons on puzzling or enigmatic statements that Jesus made. Some of his comments seem contradictory to God's love or to common sense. How do you explain them? One such passage is Matthew 10:34-39 where Jesus tells us he did not come to bring peace to the world, but that he came to bring a sword. He intends to set members of families against each other. These are very strong words in light of our inordinate concern today with "family values."
a. Jesus is for family unity. The comments in this passage are certainly out of character for Jesus. Jesus is always speaking about God's love and our need to love one another. He gives examples such as the son who returned home after his rebellion and was forgiven and accepted joyfully by his father. The Good Samaritan story reveals an unusual care and compassion. Jesus says we must love our neighbor just as we love ourselves. Love, unity, peace, and harmony for family, friends, and even strangers permeate all of the teachings of Jesus. We can test all of his teachings for consistency; if they do not seem consistent, they are not authentically his or else we do not yet understand them. I'm sure these words are his, and when we understand them, they are in keeping with his total message.
b. Jesus didn't actually bring a sword. It is others who provide the sword. Jesus simply said there are occasions when we cannot avoid the sword that others provide. The idea behind this passage is that each person must obey God and remain faithful to God's will as she or he understands it no matter what others think. We must stand for justice and morality even if it disrupts the family or breaks up friendships. Some illustrations will help:
1. In a business the family owns and operates, there are some very unethical practices. You as a family member take a stand opposing the practice, saying, "We cannot cheat people!" The rest of the family doesn't understand, and excludes you as a traitor to family affairs. You have a choice: remain by your Christian convictions and break with the family (they do the fracturing), or compromise and be dishonest.
2. You forgive someone the family has a feud with, and show that person love. The family becomes angry and shuns you.
3. You take a strong position on a social issue that is opposed to that which your family takes. They don't understand your support and work for something that angers them. The family is split.
c. Jesus still brings peace. Given a choice of obeying God's will or pleasing your family or friends, you always choose God's will. It is not your intention (nor God's, nor Jesus') to divide the family; it is their choice. For your part, you must remain loving and reconciling even through your differences.
A pastor could do an extensive series of sermons on puzzling or enigmatic statements that Jesus made. Some of his comments seem contradictory to God's love or to common sense. How do you explain them? One such passage is Matthew 10:34-39 where Jesus tells us he did not come to bring peace to the world, but that he came to bring a sword. He intends to set members of families against each other. These are very strong words in light of our inordinate concern today with "family values."
a. Jesus is for family unity. The comments in this passage are certainly out of character for Jesus. Jesus is always speaking about God's love and our need to love one another. He gives examples such as the son who returned home after his rebellion and was forgiven and accepted joyfully by his father. The Good Samaritan story reveals an unusual care and compassion. Jesus says we must love our neighbor just as we love ourselves. Love, unity, peace, and harmony for family, friends, and even strangers permeate all of the teachings of Jesus. We can test all of his teachings for consistency; if they do not seem consistent, they are not authentically his or else we do not yet understand them. I'm sure these words are his, and when we understand them, they are in keeping with his total message.
b. Jesus didn't actually bring a sword. It is others who provide the sword. Jesus simply said there are occasions when we cannot avoid the sword that others provide. The idea behind this passage is that each person must obey God and remain faithful to God's will as she or he understands it no matter what others think. We must stand for justice and morality even if it disrupts the family or breaks up friendships. Some illustrations will help:
1. In a business the family owns and operates, there are some very unethical practices. You as a family member take a stand opposing the practice, saying, "We cannot cheat people!" The rest of the family doesn't understand, and excludes you as a traitor to family affairs. You have a choice: remain by your Christian convictions and break with the family (they do the fracturing), or compromise and be dishonest.
2. You forgive someone the family has a feud with, and show that person love. The family becomes angry and shuns you.
3. You take a strong position on a social issue that is opposed to that which your family takes. They don't understand your support and work for something that angers them. The family is split.
c. Jesus still brings peace. Given a choice of obeying God's will or pleasing your family or friends, you always choose God's will. It is not your intention (nor God's, nor Jesus') to divide the family; it is their choice. For your part, you must remain loving and reconciling even through your differences.
