This statement by Jesus in Matthew 10:34 is often confusing or troubling to readers of the Bible. At face value, it seems to contradict Jesus’ reputation as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). However, when studied in context, Jesus’ words serve as a sobering reminder that the gospel message, while ultimately leading to peace, has the potential to be divisive and disruptive in a fallen world.
In Matthew 10, Jesus is instructing his twelve disciples before sending them out to preach, teach, and heal. He warns them that they will face persecution and opposition, even from family members. Then he says in verse 34, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” On the surface, this seems inconsistent with Jesus’ message of love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek.
To understand Jesus’ statement, we need to examine the context. First, this verse should not be interpreted as Jesus desiring or encouraging violence. The “sword” he refers to is not a literal, physical sword, but a metaphorical one. Jesus is saying that the gospel will have a divisive effect, even causing relational conflict when some accept him and others reject him. He is forewarning his disciples that following him will come at a cost.
Elsewhere, Jesus makes clear he is not advocating aggression or harm against others: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:38-39).
Why then does the gospel divide if it is a message of grace, forgiveness, and peace? Because humans have free will, and many use their free will to rebel against God. Jesus knew some would accept him in faith while others would reject him. Even family members are divided over him as Lord and Savior. Salvation by grace sets up a demarcation – it draws a line in the sand. Even those closest to us may land on opposite sides of that line.
Secondly, we must remember that Jesus ushered in the kingdom of God which stands in opposition to the fallen kingdom of the world. Whenever the light shines in the darkness, the darkness fights back (John 1:5). Jesus invaded a sinful world bound by Satan to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). This means spiritual warfare is inevitable. Peace cannot coexist with sin and rebellion against God.
Lastly, we know that Jesus’ ultimate purpose was reconciling humanity to God through the cross, decisively dealing with the root cause of division – sin and enmity toward God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). His death and resurrection pave the way for everlasting peace, unity, and harmony for all who put their faith in him.
In summary, Jesus was not contradicting his own identity or message as the Prince of Peace by saying he came to bring a sword rather than peace. He was being upfront with his followers that, in the interim before his second coming, the gospel message will have a polarizing effect. It will divide families, communities, and societies as some respond in faith and others reject him. Only when Christ returns to fully establish his kingdom will the sword be beaten into plowshares and peace reign eternally (Isaiah 2:4).
Until that day, Jesus calls his followers to pick up their cross and courageously proclaim the divisive but life-giving message of the gospel. The light is worth the fight. We can graciously accept the rejection and persecution that may come, knowing that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). Our hope rests secure in the future peace and unity awaiting us for eternity.
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Verses related to Matthew 10:34
Matthew 10:21-22 – Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Luke 12:51-53 – Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father 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 mother-in-law.”
John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 10:26-33 – “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Romans 12:18 – If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
James 4:1-3 – What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
Jesus Came to Bring Peace…Eventually
While Jesus’ words in Matthew 10 paint a realistic picture of the interim struggle and spiritual warfare his followers will face, the overarching theme of the Bible is that Jesus came to redeem the world and restore peace:
– “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)
– “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)
– “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
– “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
– “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14)
Ultimately, Jesus’ second coming will usher in an eternal kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness. The temporary divisions caused by the gospel will cease, and unity will reign supreme. What Jesus began, he will complete. While his first coming meant picking up a cross, his second coming will mean paradise restored.
Conclusion
Jesus’ statement about not coming to bring peace, but a sword, served as a prediction that the gospel would have a divisive effect in a fallen world. Nonetheless, his ultimate mission was reconciliation through the cross. When Christ returns, he will establish everlasting peace for those who have put their faith in him. Until then, believers can cling to his perfect peace amidst life’s troubles as they courageously proclaim the gospel message of salvation to all.