The Gospel Will Bring Division

With strong language, Jesus clearly explained that He came to bring a sword and division among people.  This dividing sword is described below:

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (Heb 4:12 NKJV, emphasis added)

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.  For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’  ³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.  (Mt 10:34-39 NIV)

“I came to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already kindled! ⁵⁰ I have a baptism to receive, and how distressed I am until it is over! ⁵¹ Do you suppose that I came to bring peace to the world? No, not peace, but division.”  (Lk 12:49-51 GNT)

But the people of the city were divided. Some were with the Jews, while others were with the apostles.  (Ac 14:4 ISV)

The worldwide division created by the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that we are either saved or lost.  We see this theme repeatedly in the Scriptures.

Jesus speaks about the fact that everyone must enter either the small gate or the wide gate.  Depending upon which gate we choose, we find ourselves upon either a narrow or a broad road. 

These two roads end in two different destinations:  choose the wide gate and travel the broad road that leads to destruction (eternity in hell) or choose the small gate and walk the narrow road that leads to life in heaven for all eternity.

The teachings of Jesus brought divisions:

Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.”  But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.  (Joh 9:16 NIV)

Wherever the Gospel is preached, some believe and accept Christ as their Savior and others mock what they hear and reject God.  The Lord designed the Good News to divide people intentionally.

All of this means that our love for Jesus and our commitment to Him must surpass and depose every other relationship, even with our closest family members.  The Bible says:

“If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.”  (Lk 14:26 NLT)  The way to have unity with our loved ones is to pray for their salvation and demonstrate God’s love and kindness in our interactions with them.  We can invite them to attend a church service with us and take opportunities to bless them and to help them.  The best way to minister to others is through acts of love and kindness. God bless you.