DAY SIXTEEN – Saturday, March 19, 2022
Matthew 10:34-39
At first it appears that Jesus is promoting violence. What I feel Jesus is saying is that to be a disciple of Him, we may have to deal with family members and friends hating us for our choices and in some extreme cases we may have to sever relationships.
F.F. Bruce (biblical scholar), states that, “the sword is the effect of His coming, not the purpose of His coming.” To me the effect of the sword is the severing of family ties to enable a person to love Jesus above all else. If we accept that family ties may sometimes have to be severed because we choose to love, believe in and follow Christ, then we will be rewarded peace in the end. The people that hate Jesus will hate His followers too. As a follower, our love for Jesus should be above all and greater than our love for our friends and family. To be a true disciple of Jesus, we have to face challenges and possible hatred and also death; take up our cross (which symbolizes death/crucifixion) and follow Jesus. Whoever gives up their life for God will gain life. Always put God first. God does not necessarily want peace from us at all times and sometimes we need to use our sword to divide us from the disbelievers and haters in order for us to put God first and be a true disciple of Jesus.
At this time of Lent, I reflect on my life and realize how I am truly blessed and thankful that my friends and family respect my hearts’ desire and choice to love, follow and be a disciple of Jesus even though it may not be the path that they wish to take.
Karen Faux (2017)
Matthew 10:34-39
At first it appears that Jesus is promoting violence. What I feel Jesus is saying is that to be a disciple of Him, we may have to deal with family members and friends hating us for our choices and in some extreme cases we may have to sever relationships.
F.F. Bruce (biblical scholar), states that, “the sword is the effect of His coming, not the purpose of His coming.” To me the effect of the sword is the severing of family ties to enable a person to love Jesus above all else. If we accept that family ties may sometimes have to be severed because we choose to love, believe in and follow Christ, then we will be rewarded peace in the end. The people that hate Jesus will hate His followers too. As a follower, our love for Jesus should be above all and greater than our love for our friends and family. To be a true disciple of Jesus, we have to face challenges and possible hatred and also death; take up our cross (which symbolizes death/crucifixion) and follow Jesus. Whoever gives up their life for God will gain life. Always put God first. God does not necessarily want peace from us at all times and sometimes we need to use our sword to divide us from the disbelievers and haters in order for us to put God first and be a true disciple of Jesus.
At this time of Lent, I reflect on my life and realize how I am truly blessed and thankful that my friends and family respect my hearts’ desire and choice to love, follow and be a disciple of Jesus even though it may not be the path that they wish to take.
Karen Faux (2017)
