May 27 2008
The Prince of Peace brings a sword
In that moment when Adam and Eve tasted the forbidden fruit, turmoil entered our world. With little respite, the story of humanity is rife with strife of every kind.Imagine the thoughts of those shepherds keeping watch over their flocks that dark night outside ancient Bethlehem. With fellow citizens, they languished under the occupying hand of Rome knowing little of the peace and joy spoken of by the angels who announced the birth of Jesus singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace toward men of good will.” (Luke 2:14). That night Isaiah’s great prophecy was fulfilled. The Messiah was born; the “Prince of Peace” had come (Isaiah 9:6).
When speaking to his disciples just before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you…” (John 14:27). He knew he was soon to leave his disciples and he was preparing them for his departure by promising them that the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit of God. All who have trusted Jesus as Lord and Saviour know what it is to have the peace of God ruling in their hearts and lives. There are numerous NT references to the role of peace in a Christian’s life. We have “peace with God” through faith in Jesus (Romans 5:1), and as we faithfully entrust our daily concerns to the Lord, we enjoy the “peace of God” (Philippians 4:6-7).
But have you ever compared these promises of peace with something Jesus said that seems to run in the opposite direction? “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:24). Luke will substitute “division” for “sword” in his account (Luke 12:51).
Why would Jesus say such a thing? And if he really did bring division, how could the Apostle Paul write that Jesus is our peace, that he removed the “middle wall of division” separating Jew and Gentile in order to “create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace” (Ephesians 2:14-15)?
The late F.F. Bruce, a well-respected Bible scholar, says this about the “division” Jesus brings. “When Jesus said that he had come to bring ‘not peace but a sword’, he meant that this would be the effect of his coming, not that it was the purpose of his coming” (The Hard Sayings of Jesus, IVP, 1983).
Even a casual perusal of history will support Bruce’s conclusion. Allegiance to Jesus very often causes conflict - conflict with friends and neighbours, and sometimes within families. Thousands upon thousands of Christians have suffered for their faith, but they have done so with an inner peace that the world cannot understand, nor can they take away.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and though this world still rages, one day he will return to this earth to welcome his people to live forever in that new Heaven and earth where all will be right and peaceful.