Questioned verse:
[Matthew 10:34] Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword!
Many misinterpreted this statement of Jesus especially the devoted believers of Islam. Muslims take this verse as literal in meaning like what Allah and Muhammad commanded them to do, that is to use their swords in order to kill non-Muslims.
ANSWER
Jesus was referring to the division within families caused by His teaching. His statement proved true, as many families became divided because of Him. One example of this division is His disciples, who left their families to follow Him. Family members often differ in their faith, and these differences can lead to division.
How many people have left their homes and families to follow Jesus? How many of them have even been killed for their faith? Such division is deeply painful for families. That is why Jesus described the effect of His teaching as a “sword”—because it cuts deeply into the hearts of people.
Many have chosen not to follow Jesus or have rejected His offer of salvation because they were unwilling to lose their families or risk their lives as a consequence of leaving their former faith. In some Islamic societies, killing a family member who leaves Islam has been regarded as a religious obligation. This helps explain why Jesus said, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me,” and similarly, “Anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”
A person who clings to family out of fear of death may forfeit eternal life. On the other hand, the one who is willing to risk his life in following Jesus will find eternal life. Jesus was emphasizing the cost of following Him: if we desire eternal life, we must be willing to carry our cross—that is, to endure the painful consequences of remaining faithful to His teaching.
Let us continue reading Matthew 10, from verse 35 to 39;
35For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’
36and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’
37He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
38And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
39He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Let us also read the parallel verses from [Luke 12:51-53], they say;
51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.
53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Jesus is the prince of peace [Isaiah 9:6]. He is referring not the literal sword to kill people, but He meant the sword of Spirit which is the “word of God”. Kindly read;
[Ephesians 6:17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
[Hebrews 4:12] For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
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Psalms 102:25-26 Versus Ecclesiastes 1:4 and Psalms 78:69