Jesus Came to Divide Understanding the Meaning of Division in ChristThe statement "Jesus came to divide" is one that may seem paradoxical at first. After all, many people associate Jesus with peace, love, and unity. However, in several passages of the Bible, Jesus Himself speaks about the division His presence would cause. This topic will explore the meaning of Jesus’ words regarding division, what this division represents, and how it applies to our lives today.
The Context of Jesus’ Statement
In the Gospels, particularly in Luke 1251-53, Jesus says, "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division." This statement stands in stark contrast to the peaceful image many have of Jesus. To understand this teaching fully, it’s essential to consider the context in which it was made.
At the time, Jesus was preparing His followers for the challenges they would face in the world. His message was revolutionary, challenging existing social, religious, and political systems. As a result, His coming would not only bring hope and healing but also division and conflict, especially among those who rejected His teachings.
The Nature of the Division
1. Division Between Believers and Non-Believers
One of the primary reasons Jesus came to divide was to create a distinction between those who accepted His message and those who rejected it. His teachings often contradicted the religious leaders’ views of the time, and this caused a rift between His followers and the religious authorities. Jesus’ message of grace, repentance, and salvation through Him alone challenged the traditional systems of belief that people had long followed.
Jesus made it clear that following Him would not be easy. It would require a decision to stand apart from the world and its values. This divide is not one that Jesus sought for the sake of conflict but as a necessary consequence of His radical message. As He said in Matthew 1034-36, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword."
2. Division Within Families and Communities
Jesus also highlighted the division that would occur within families and communities. In Luke 1252-53, He says that there would be divisions even between family members "From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three." This division would be based on the choice of whether or not to follow Him.
The decision to follow Jesus often meant going against the expectations of one’s family or community. In cultures where familial loyalty and social traditions were paramount, accepting Jesus as the Messiah could lead to rejection or even persecution. This reality created tension, as individuals had to choose between their allegiance to Jesus and their allegiance to their families or communities.
The Spiritual Divide Choosing Christ or the World
The division Jesus referred to was not just a physical or social one it was a spiritual divide. Jesus came to challenge the heart’s loyalties. In John 1518-19, He reminded His followers that the world would hate them because they were not of the world "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."
This spiritual division is at the core of Jesus’ mission. He called His followers to prioritize their relationship with Him above all else. This call to discipleship required a shift in values, often resulting in tension with the surrounding world. The choice to follow Jesus meant rejecting the worldly temptations and false teachings that lead people away from God. The world, in this sense, represents the system of values, priorities, and ideologies that oppose the teachings of Christ.
Why Did Jesus Come to Divide?
1. To Reveal the Truth
Jesus’ mission was to bring the truth of God’s Kingdom to the world. This truth often exposed the falsehoods that people had built their lives upon, especially religious and cultural systems that were not aligned with God’s will. In this way, Jesus’ coming inevitably led to division because the truth of His message could not be ignored. As He said in John 146, "I am the way and the truth and the life." His very presence demanded a decision to accept Him as the Savior or to reject Him.
2. To Test the Hearts of People
The division caused by Jesus was also a way of testing people’s hearts. He did not force anyone to follow Him. Instead, He presented the truth and left individuals to choose whether they would accept it. This decision was not always easy, and many chose the comforts and security of their old ways over the challenges of following Jesus.
In Matthew 1038, Jesus said, "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." This statement highlights the seriousness of discipleship. It requires sacrifice and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Kingdom of God. The division Jesus spoke of was a natural outcome of this choice.
3. To Fulfill God’s Plan of Salvation
Ultimately, the division Jesus caused was part of God’s larger plan of salvation. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for people to be reconciled to God. However, not everyone would accept this offer of salvation. The division was, in a sense, a necessary consequence of the choice people had to make between accepting or rejecting the gift of eternal life offered by Jesus.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
1. A Call to Commitment
The message of division that Jesus spoke of is not just a historical lesson it is still relevant for believers today. Jesus calls us to a radical commitment to Him. Following Jesus is not always easy, and it can lead to division in our lives, especially when our values clash with those of the world. However, this commitment is essential for living according to God’s will and for experiencing the fullness of life in Christ.
2. Living Counter-Culturally
In a world that often promotes self-centeredness, materialism, and relativism, Christians are called to live differently. The division that Jesus spoke of is a reminder that Christians are not meant to conform to the values of the world but to live according to God’s standards. This often means making choices that set us apart from the crowd, whether it’s in our relationships, our work, or our daily actions.
3. Faithful Witness in a Divided World
While Jesus’ coming to divide may seem challenging, it also presents an opportunity for Christians to be faithful witnesses in a divided world. By living out the truth of the gospel and standing firm in our faith, we can show others the hope and peace found in Christ. Even in a world filled with division, Christians can be agents of reconciliation, offering the love and truth of Jesus to those around them.
Conclusion Embracing the Division for the Sake of Christ
Jesus came to divide, not for the sake of conflict, but to challenge the world’s values and call people to a deeper relationship with God. His words remind us that discipleship is not a passive, easy journey but one that requires commitment, sacrifice, and courage. By understanding the meaning of division in Christ, we are encouraged to stand firm in our faith, embrace the challenges of following Jesus, and remain faithful witnesses in a world that often opposes the truth.