photo by: federico stevanin

In the book of Matthew, Jesus says what appears to be two very opposing statements:

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.” (5:9)

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (10:34)

So how can Jesus, on one hand say that those who promote peace are blessed, while he himself did not come to bring peace? It’s actually pretty simple. On more than one instance, the beatitudes reveal God’s will for how we should act is a peaceful one:

“…anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement” (5:22)

“…if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (5:39)

“…Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you .” (5:44)

Remember the second greatest commandment, ” Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). How can we say we love our neighbor if we are angry with him? How can we say we love our neighbor if we retaliate against him? And how can we say that we love our neighbor if we hate him? Later on in Matthew 7, Jesus warns us to aware of false prophets. He tells us that we will know them by their fruit. In the same manner, God wants us to be identified by our fruit. Galatians 5 identifies the fruit of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, [oh and] PEACE…” (Dramatic emphasis added to make my point. )

It’s clear that God wants us to live in peace. So in Matthew 10 when Jesus says “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth…” he must not have been talking about our attitudes. He must have been talking about something else.

Certainly Jesus knew that his ministry was going to be short, and during this sendoff with his disciples, he certainly didn’t want to give them the wrong idea– the idea that he came to bring peace and happiness to the world. He was preparing them for battle, a spiritual war that began in the garden of Eden. He knew that the message they would deliver would bring ridicule and persecution. It would cause children to rebel against their parents, and for households to be split in disagreement. “I am sending you like sheep among wolves. ” (Matthew 10:16)

I think Paul summed it up best. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) Paul acknowledges that it won’t always be possible to live at peace with everyone. It takes two people in a relationship to be in agreement to have true peace. However, in all relationships, we’re to do our part.

Remember, we’re in the middle of a spiritual battle, and conflict, unfortunately, is the inevitable result of the message that Jesus Christ brings. And, Jesus acknowledges that in Matthew 10. However, at the same time, his message of living at peace is clear, and the fruit of peace should be evident in our lives.