Why do christians think that Jesus was all about peace?

Question

Matthew 10:34: "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."

Jesus ends a parable with the following verse: Luke 19:27 "But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence."

This does not sound peacful to me. Just curious.

Answer 1

That's a good point, I don't understand all the hate and violence that fills the Bible & Koran.........that's why I've chosen to follow the "Old Religion"....makes much more sense to me!!!

Answer 2

You are taking a verse and making a whole theology out of it. If you read on after and before the quote in Luke you say is so terrible, you find that nowhere does it state that anyone actually did anything like that. He was saying that to make a point that those that did not want Him to be the ruler of their lives would one day be destroyed. As for the Matthew quote, it is saying not that He brought a sword into the world but that the world would use a sword on his followers. He brought the sword of salvation, the Word of God. Many that want to serve Him will be shunned by their very own family, friends and that is the message there. And it is very true. Families are split because one goes to serve God rather than stay in the same old system they grew up in. Some want to see you destroyed because you accept Jesus way. I have been shunned in my own family, been put down and put out, lies have been told about me and all sorts of things have been done to try to destroy me but to no avail. That is why Jesus said He did not come to bring peace in the world as He knew the reaction people would get when they accepted Him. Never do you find Him doing anything to hurt anyone but only to help and to heal.

Answer 3

In Matthew 10:34...
He was talking about his message and saying that some will believe it and some won't. Basically that his message was a sword and it would divide families because some would believe and others would not.

In Luke 19:27......
Jesus was QUOTING another person. You have taken the verse out of context. You have to go back and read the whole parable starting at 19:11.

Research is helpful before trying to misconstrew religion. You have to read and understand the words before taking verses out of context so they suit your beliefs.

Answer 4

OK - regarding Luke 19 and the Parable of the Minas/Pounds:
I read that parable in a few different versions, and then searched for commentary before I dared write an answer for you. Here is something I found:
"But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them -- bring them here and kill them in front of me." (19:27)
This seems pretty strong. The word translated "kill" is Greek katasphazo, "slaughter, strike down." The listeners in Jericho recalled how King Archelaus slaughtered his enemies, and recognized how the parable was true to life.
You are not God's enemy when you fail. He loves you. He is there to encourage you to try again as he did Peter (John 21:15-17). But you are God's enemy when you set your will against his and refuse to use productively what he has given you. That is a dangerous place in which to stand, as an enemy of God.
Ultimately, this parable is not about the present. It is eschatological and applies to the time of Christ's Return. If you sense in yourself laziness or rebelliousness against God, there's still time to repent and change your heart - but you can only count on "today" in which to do that.

I think that Jesus and His Father bring peace to the hearts and minds of those who have received His salvation. But Jesus was right about not bringing peace, because His followers are instructed to spread the Gospel (the Good News). Not everyone is receptive to that message, and hearing it infuriates some. Christianity, although propelled by the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes (which are excellent, useful instructions to follow), creates division in our world. The division is that now people must choose to follow Christ or not; you can't just try to be a good person. People don't like that, because people are prideful. I think that for a person to realize that he or she needs salvation, that person must first humble themselves and deal with the fact that they need help to get to heaven.

Answer 5

Matthew 10. Meaning that Christianity would divide the Jewish home. Some would stay with the Old Testament some would now be a part of the New Covenant (Testament)

Luke 19. Parables are meant to illustrate only. If you read about judgment day in Revelations there is no reference to this.

Answer 6

In your first verse He is speaking in the time of Second Coming.
Right now is the dispensation of grace, what does that mean you ask. Right now all you have to do is Confess you sins, Repent, and be Baptized in Jesus name then you have salvation.

When Jesus died he paid for all the sins of the world past present future. Paid In Full, all you have to do is accept Him..sounds loving to me. The period of Grace last until he comes back. At that time is is too late. It's your choice. Choose wisely, read the bible to understand that He gave you the free will to choose, you can accept it or not. But just because your choose not to believe does not mean He is not real.

If you only take portions of the bible and do not read all of if you will get the wrong idea. Just like a parent protects their young, is is that parent mean for defending and protecting their kids?

The Parable of the Pounds, as it is often called, speaks to us disciples about our productivity as well as other important lessons.

Answer 7

You are so right. Jesus knew the only way to turn theses Religious Jews around, was to stir up their thinking , and when you do that , you are going to cause a ripple effect , that will cause a few to rethink their beliefs, I do this a lot and am Criticized a lot by some seriously professed Christians.
But as the word " slay "in the English translation of this verse, is very weak, the word was really two words thrown together r"Kata Sphragizo" in the ancient Greek was to completely seal up, or mark or preserve .I believe he was telling these two disciples if they are my enemies , "then it is your task to Seal them to me" Just one of many words that were are not always well translated. there is no discrepancy in Gods word only in the Translations.

Answer 8

Jesus does not fight with actual weapons, and he does not fight actual people. When he refers to fighting it is always a spiritual battle, and by sword, it most likely refers to God's holy sword... a spiritual sword of truth.

Ephesians 6:13-18

So put on all of God's armor. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing.

14 So stand firm. Put the belt of truth around your waist. Put the armor of godliness on your chest. 15 Wear on your feet what will prepare you to tell the good news of peace. 16 Also, pick up the shield of faith. With it you can put out all of the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Put on the helmet of salvation. And take the sword of the Holy Spirit. The sword is God's word.

18 At all times, pray by the power of the Spirit. Pray all kinds of prayers. Be watchful, so that you can pray. Always keep on praying for all of God's people.

Answer 9

Yeah, but aren't there are bunch of messages in the bible about Jesus thinking people should be peaceful? The bible is full of conflicting messages. I think it might be more relevant to compare the context of those individual statements, but the bible tends to use quotes that are taken out of context in the first place! Oh well

Answer 10

This is the parable of the ten minas.
This spoke of harsh, violent judgment and may be a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem ( The MacArthur Study Bible )

Answer 11

Its the Christians who kiled Jesus in the first place. Then they put the blame on Jews. The Mix master came by and he didnt care who killed Jesus. If tey killed Jesus then he must kill all. Might is right. He who is victor lives to tell about it.