2007-01-21 09:05:06 · 18 answers · asked by clue 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Jews believed that when the Messiah came, he would usher in a time of world peace. Jesus' first arrival would not bring that universal peace. The very nature of Jesus' claims forces people to make a choice. They must choose to believe who he said he is, or they must choose to reject him. Jesus did not come to bring peace but a sword (that is, "division") that separates families, friends, and nations. Conflict and disagreement will arise between those who choose to follow Christ and those who do not. In saying this, Jesus was not encouraging disobedience to parents or conflict at home. Rather, he was showing that his presence demands a decision. Because some will follow Christ and some will not, conflict will inevitably arise. As his followers take their crosses and follow him, their different values, morals, goals, and purposes will set them apart. Do not neglect your family, but remember that your commitment to God is even more important than they are. God should be your first priority. Ironically, those who accept him do find inner peace because of their restored relationship with God. One day, however, there will be universal peace (Isa 9:5-7), for the Prince of Peace will resolve all conflict.
2007-01-21 09:12:55 · answer #1 · answered by yagman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some Christians hold that Jesus is using the word "sword" as a metaphor to describe the division that his message would bring between those who accept it and those who reject it. A further and more mystical interpretation representats a personal conflict, or evolution, as in a rebirth. In the context of the passage, Jesus was warning his disciples. Whether internal or external, conflict will come for Christians. "It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for them."
there are different interpretations and its one of the most controversial verses
2007-01-21 09:09:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is what He meant:
2:27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law,
2:28. He also took him into his arms and blessed God and said
2:29. Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace:
2:30. Because my eyes have seen thy salvation,
2:31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:
2:32. A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.
2:33. And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him.
2:34. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted.
2:35. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.
The sword of Truth as proclaimed by Simeon the Prophet afflicted Mary, the Mother of God and of all who love Him.
2007-01-21 10:03:31 · answer #3 · answered by QueryJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He didn't come to bring peace on earth. This world is our testing ground where we choose God or Satan. The sword is the word of God meaning the gospel of Christ and the bible. It always divides the hearers into 2 groups, believers and non-believers. He didn't mean a literal sword.
2007-01-21 09:11:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was a controversial religious figure that caused social divisions and persecution by stirring up people with his radical teachings.
It's peace not pease.
2007-01-21 09:09:40 · answer #5 · answered by Underground Man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A sword cuts in two. Jesus knew his coming would divide people. Was He right?
2007-01-21 09:08:48 · answer #6 · answered by rosemary w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means he was misquoted again. After Jesus was gone from the scene, the church empire of Paul the bigot made up all kinds of junk they said that Jesus had said. "Hey Joe. I want to decimate a bunch of Gnostics who disagree with our religion. What should I do?" Answer: "Just write in the Bible that Jesus said "Peace is no good, and I bring you a sword to fight your enemies." edit: @Metaphor smetaphor .... It seems everytime someone gets caught reading something ridiculous in the Bible, they say "It's a metaphor."
2016-05-24 08:03:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you read the whole chapter, you'll see that He was telling them that people would be divided over Him. Some would believe in Him, others wouldn't. and these divisions would be so severe that they would rip apart families. This is still happening today. Just look at the hostilities being traded in this forum alone.
2007-01-21 09:14:35 · answer #8 · answered by Reality check 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not what Jesus meant. Who knows what Jesus taught? That stuff was written decades after Jesus died, if he existed at all.
The question should be about what the author thought and what agenda he was trying to push.
2007-01-21 09:09:01 · answer #9 · answered by nondescript 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sword symbolizes the word of God. The term "not to bring you peace" means that Christians may not have peace with their friends and families who hates christian teachings. In an example that christians do not practice drunk nor sales liquor, while their friend/relatives sales liquor and shun anybody who do not drink with liquor in him; while christians avoid corruption, his coworkers who are not christians forced him to do corruption as they do. In this manner peace between the follower of Christ to non-christians is not possible.
jocel_gomez@yahoo.com
http://www.truthcaster.com
2007-01-21 09:43:34 · answer #10 · answered by jocel_gomez 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋