PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 10

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
What does Jesus mean, is Jesus advocating violence?
Another time Jesus says that he gives us his peace.
But he adds, “I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27)
The peace that Jesus brings is different from the world’s peace.
Worldly peace is external and is forced on people (like Rome’s peace).
The peace of Jesus is internal peace that flows outward, blessing even enemies.
This kind of peace (through grace, mercy, compassion) seems weak.
It blesses those the world rejects, and so provokes anger.
People accuse us of ‘disturbing the peace’, or their sense of it.
Try being gracious to the ‘wrong’ people, and you will feel the anger too.
Jesus sends his followers to all people, to bring his peace to their homes.
Not all will receive it, and even loved ones will resist it.
As Jesus followers, we are to be committed to Jesus and his peace.
To blessing both friends and enemies… even if it provokes a backlash.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, your peace blesses the untouchables and enemies and outsiders too, just like it blesses me. Help me to keep blessing the wrong people with your peace, and not give in to the sword of opposition.