Matthew, Chapter 10:34-36 -- Why would Jesus say this? What did he mean?

Answer 1

It's the old cult technique of turning would-be adherents against their own families in order to reinforce the hold over them by the guru.

Answer 2

Jesus speaks of the chaos and tribulation that would be part of th next 40 years of Jerusalem's history, and which would climax with the destruction of the temple and the dispersion of the Jews.

His secondary theme is the tribulations accompanying the end of the age.

He's just being honest. Everything he said already happened once, and will happen again.

Answer 3

It tells me that family relationships and demands can interfere with carrying out the fufilment of the Gospel, which is compassion for those who need it. The natural emotional bonds that ground us in the world (families) cause us to see more value in family members and friends than in strangers. Christ teaches us that ALL are God's children, that God is in each of them. The "sword" refers simply to the divisions this difficult teaching can create in families who don't share the vision and feel betrayed by such a radical realignment of prorities.

The ideal family is all about love and mutual support, but we know of families in which blood bonds are exploited and mutual support is turned to hiding wrongdoing (think the "mafia" as an extreme example). Christ is inviting us to see a larger family that does not discriminate based on DNA.

Are there opportunities for abuse in this wider vision? Absolutely! No one can identify, let alone help, EVERYONE who needs help. And there are plenty of "leaders" who are ready to exploit this teaching for their own personal gain. And people who deliberately use the idea of serving God to avoid family obligations are explicitly condemned in Mark 7 (and by the rabbis as well).

But too many "Christians" jump on that "sword" metaphor, hoping to see an apocalyptic battle. There can be misunderstanding, friction, even outright rejection if a family feels threatened, but Jesus was not promoting violence.

Answer 4

For anyone that believes in Jesus he will stand for us on judgement day. Also when it speaks about not bringing peace but a sword. That is him arming people with the knowledge of the word of God. And he is also warning us not to trust man but to trust him because so many humans can deceive one another.

Answer 5

32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

34"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to turn
" 'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her motherinlaw—
36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'[e]

37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me;
this may help he was saying that not all would accept him he was speaking to jews and as today many did not accept he was the massiah but to those that do he will give eternal life I hope that helps

Answer 6

I am a muslim.....

But i think it means that those who believe in him are going to be turned away by their own families and such their will be no peace.
i.e accepting him will make your family an enemy since they would desire otherwise, and since you have to accept him to be saved they indeed are your enemies.

Answer 7

matthew is my fave
i blve christ says that only bcuz at that time christianity and paganism were both popular
and knew what would happen after his crucifixion
or
as a battle cry to rally all of the christians !!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

the bible has been revised through the years. apparently it hasn't been rewritten perfectly