NOT TO BRING PEACE BUT RATHER DIVISION
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Jesus said He didn't come to bring peace but rather division. What does it mean?
Luke 12:51-55 New King James Version (NKJV)
51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
a) Upon first reading, Jesus’ statement here does seem shocking, as does the prediction by the aged Simeon when Jesus was an infant that Jesus was “destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed…” (Luke 2:34).
Luke 2:34 New King James Version (NKJV)
b) It appears in stark contrast to other promises that the Savior would bring peace. However, if we read this passage in the context of the prophetic tradition — which Luke draws on throughout his gospel — we realize that Jesus is challenging his listeners just like the prophets of old did before him.
c) He denounces all manners of injustice and wrongdoing, calling for repentance and conversion. By calling his listeners to consciously and explicitly choose to walk in God’s ways and turn from injustice, he points out the human reality that the peace will be disturbed because there are others who will not repent of their evil doings.
d) When prophets issue challenges, they always disturb the peace. The division is not created by the prophets or by Jesus, it is a natural outcome of listeners making different decisions about whether to follow Jesus or not.
e) Just so, Jesus declared,
Luke 11:23 New King James Version (NKJV)
Luke 12:51-55 New King James Version (NKJV)
51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
a) Upon first reading, Jesus’ statement here does seem shocking, as does the prediction by the aged Simeon when Jesus was an infant that Jesus was “destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed…” (Luke 2:34).
Luke 2:34 New King James Version (NKJV)
34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
b) It appears in stark contrast to other promises that the Savior would bring peace. However, if we read this passage in the context of the prophetic tradition — which Luke draws on throughout his gospel — we realize that Jesus is challenging his listeners just like the prophets of old did before him.
c) He denounces all manners of injustice and wrongdoing, calling for repentance and conversion. By calling his listeners to consciously and explicitly choose to walk in God’s ways and turn from injustice, he points out the human reality that the peace will be disturbed because there are others who will not repent of their evil doings.
d) When prophets issue challenges, they always disturb the peace. The division is not created by the prophets or by Jesus, it is a natural outcome of listeners making different decisions about whether to follow Jesus or not.
e) Just so, Jesus declared,
Luke 11:23 New King James Version (NKJV)
23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
The End ...
Comments
Post a Comment