The Great Divide: Matthew 10:34-36
““34) Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35) For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 35) and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.” Matthew 10:34-36
Jesus did not come to bring peace on earth, because many reject Him and refuse to submit to Him. In some cases the hatred is so severe they will kill family members who claim to be Christians. This is true in communism, Islam, some branches of Hinduism and extreme secular humanism. In many places, a decision to follow Jesus Christ is a death sentence.
This point has always baffled me. Why would faith in someone so loving and good be met with such hostility and violence? The only answer is the god of this world is active, evil and deadly. Those who are in the darkness hate the light.
It takes huge love, faith a courage to show compassion and share the gospel in some places. Few people are opposed to humanitarian efforts until Jesus and the gospel are added. In many places, those are fighting words. Darkness hates the light. The gospel can either heal or divide.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
