"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 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; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:34-39)
2007-12-09 14:56:11 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The SWORD is the WORD of GOD
WHICH IS TRUTH
and by that TRUTH many will be divided by it
and against one another cause not everyone will accept it
and ONE must put GOD FIRST
Before thier wife/husband/children/ or themselves
and if one cant forsake ALL and follow HIM they are not worthy of HIM
GIVE yourself to GOD and HE will direct your paths
if you do it yourself...you will miss the mark
and the ones who hurt you the most
is your family !!!
2007-12-09 15:00:48 · answer #1 · answered by hghostinme 6 · 9⤊ 1⤋
He means that being his follower would be hard. Because of our belief in Christianity, we should expect opposition... even from family members. That we should be willing to take a stand for our belief and should be willing to even die for our belief in the Lord. The Lord led by example and we too should be willing to follow the same path. He was telling us here that living as a Christian would be very hard.Christianity would cause division of ones household. If we are not willing to endure being rejected by mother, father, family members, and follow the Lord than we are not worthy of life eternal with Him. After all, a servant is no greater than his master. If they rejected and persecuted Christ, we should expect the same treatment. It is so true that the world does not love Christians, and sometimes even family members are against us. We have to make a choice who we will follow.....it should always be Jesus!
2007-12-09 15:19:06 · answer #2 · answered by Marie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The sword, or the double-edged sword, is a symbol of his word, or the word of God--it is all over the Bible.
Jesus did not flatter people by telling them what they wanted to hear, he gave them the truth. And some took the truth pretty hard.
We were discussing this very topic today in church, while studying Revelations. In the opening of Revelations, as John is writing his letters to the leaders of the 7 branches of the church, he discusses Christ with a "sword' coming from his mouth. This symbol is also found in Ephesians, I believe. I don't have my Bible w/ me right now.
2007-12-09 15:04:50 · answer #3 · answered by colebolegooglygooglyhammerhead 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is talking about moral and spiritual integrity. Many people obtain a spiritual conviction, but do not follow it because they fear rejection by their family.
We must be willing to lose our family (or our comfortableness in life) in order to gain Christ.
When we do so, we find our truest essence of life.
Although Jesus controversially stated he came to bring division, I think verse 39 explains it rather well. When we are willing to give up worldliness and comfort, then we are connected to that true love, and we may, in fact lead our families into "the love that passeth all understanding".
We must have courage and integrity, if we will ever have the strength to be the servants of God, and thus, to have the inner resources to be capable of "loving our neighbor, as ourselves".
2007-12-09 15:04:54 · answer #4 · answered by MumOf5 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are alot of people, especially on Answers, who pitch all sorts of fits when Christians say Jesus is the only way to God. This statement of Jesus underlines His statement in John 14:6 that indeed He is the only way to the Father, that there is no other. Jesus knew this would be a point of contention, even in families. The dividing point is this: who do you say Jesus is?
2007-12-09 15:03:05 · answer #5 · answered by Esther 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think that it means that Jesus knew his teachings were radical and would create a lot of controversy, even between family members - so much so that it had/has the potential to divide relationships. As far as not loving father, mother, child,etc. more than Him, I think it's clear that he wants to be our first love. He doesn't say not to love those people. In fact, if you read through the scriptures it is clear that we definitely are expected to do so. But he wants to be our God, Father, Savior, Husband, and Best Friend. And why shouldn't he? He created us and loves us more than anyone else does.
2007-12-09 15:02:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
After reading the whole question people will understand the answer !!!
If not, Christ is desiring more love than we would give our parents !!! A further definition of the 10 commandments !!!
2007-12-09 15:03:34 · answer #7 · answered by rapturefuture 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, Jesus was basically a rebel. He held whips and attacked rich merchants along with his believers, saying that what they have done to the poor is unfaithful, and claims that he is bringing justice in the name of God.
2007-12-09 15:56:06 · answer #8 · answered by Reaper 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I see the "sword" as the Word of God outlined in Ephesians 6. The Word of God is sharper than any two edged sword- and folks living in sin and darkness are offended when their lives are brought to the Light......
2007-12-09 15:02:30 · answer #9 · answered by Seeno†es™ 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
He meant that his presence will bring one result or the other. Peace or a sword. For instance when God said he "hardened Pharoahs' Heart" It's not that God hardened it. the same sunshine that melts butter will harden clay. God's presence has an affect on people, they will turn on each other and divide or they will come into unity and the bond of peace.
2007-12-09 14:59:37 · answer #10 · answered by sisterzeal 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋