Matthew 10:34-36 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth..."

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household” (Matthew 10:34-36).

Question:

As a Christian pacifist, I am concerned that other Christians, who have missed the message of peace from Jesus, use this scripture incorrectly, in my opinion, to justify war. I see Jesus telling us that his word will divide people, even within families, like a butter knife divides butter, but he will not use the sword as a instrument of killing.

Comment:

You’re not alone in feeling that this statement seems antithetical to the entire tone of Jesus’ message and ministry. But really all four Gospels record Jesus as going to great lengths to make it clear that his was not an easy path, and that holding firmly to spiritual truth will generate an equally firm resistance from the fear-based collective consciousness that seeks to hold us back. The underlying metaphysical truth, I think, is simply that choices have consequences. The brighter the light, the darker the shadows. In choosing to see life differently—to embrace our true Oneness with God instead of accepting old beliefs of separation, guilt, shame and suffering—we will arouse the opposition, not only of others who believe differently, but of those old thoughts in our own consciousness that will strive to maintain their control over us.  

The good news that Jesus Christ taught and demonstrated is so joyful, creative and loving that it might seem simply inevitable that everyone will want to embrace it. And the transformation within us as we open our hearts and minds to that good news is so dramatic that it might seem no resistance could even be possible. Jesus realizes that we need to be vigilant—not so that we can attack others, but so that we can defend our newfound spiritual empowerment against the shadows that feel threatened by it.

So the path to the kingdom of heaven—the path of Christ consciousness—will not always feel peaceful. But committing to that path can never justify attacking others. It is only by lovingly holding to our own faith that we can continually make the choices that will lead to a peaceful world. And we can be certain that whatever strength we need to maintain our focus will be available as we need it.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed