Pentecost 6

Matthew 10:34–42 (NIV): 34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. 40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Jesus predicts that he was going to cause controversy. Is this true? I believe it is but I wanted to verify my assumption so I “Googled” it. After all, if it is on the Internet it must be true. (I hope you realize that this is said “tongue in cheek”. ) According to Wikipedia (which itself is not considered a valid source of 100% accurate data because anyone can edit it, Jesus is considered to be controversial. This is based on edits to pages on Wikipedia showing that not everyone agrees with what is being said about them.

George W. Bush

Michael Jackson

Jesus

Barack Obama

Adolf Hitler

Britney Spears

The Undertaker

Roger Federer

Kane (wrestler

Beyoncé

Wikipediat lists whether that person is dead or alive. It claims Jesus is dead. Even that is controversial. The Bible teaches that he was dead but is now very much alive.

Romans 14:8–9 (NIV): 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

Revelation 1:17–18 (NIV): 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

I also came across this statement which summarizes from one person’s viewpoint the impact that Jesus has had on the world.

Christ's teachings, even in a secular perspective, led to Europe's reform to Christianity (starting with the Roman emperor Constantine). This led to some very big struggles, such as the Thirty Years War and the Crusades, as well as other conflicts such as the Great Schism and of course, the Reformation. None of these monumental historical events would have occurred if it weren't for Christ's teachings. Of course, Christ's teachings led Europe to become more pious and develop a regional unity through religion -- naturally, Christ didn't intend to cause any conflicts. His teachings also paved the way for the rise of Islam in the Middle East, which was also quite monumental, as Islam had spread from the Middle East, to Africa, to central Asia, even to Indonesia. Christ's teachings motivated people to do great things, to conquer their fears and fulfill an insurmountable duty, such as Joan of Arc leading the French armies against English invaders in the Hundred Years' War. His teachings motivated many people to become great and historically significant, as well as pious. Christ's example introduced the philosophy of an ideal man in Europe and the Middle East -- that anyone can overcome all sin. As a result, many people became more virtuous. So much of history exists because of Christ, especially in Europe.

The point is that Jesus’ prediction that he was not going to bring peace to the earth, but a sword (predicting controversy) has come true.

I find this statement itself to be controversial. After all, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, what did the angels say to the sheperds? Luke 2:14 (NIV): 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Isaiah 9:6–7 (NIV): 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Luke 1:76–79 (NIV): 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

How do we solve this dilemma?

Well, Jesus should be considered a person of peace. Several weeks ago I preached on Romans 5:10–11 (NIV): 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Jesus came to bring about peace between sinful mankind and our holy God. This is the peace to men on whom God’s favor rests and the peace prophecied by Isaiah and sung about by Elizabeth. It is “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding.” As God’s children, there is no need for us to live in fear of God, to question his motives, or to wonder about his intentions for us. Even though we deserved his wrath and punishment (anything but peace), he forgives our sins and deals tenderly with us. He is our refuge and strength. Among the many passages which assure us of God’s peace are these from the Psalms:

Psalm 4:8 (NIV): 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 29:7–11 (NIV): 7 The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. 8 The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” 10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. 11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Coincidentally, it was thundering and lightning outside my office while I wrote this.)

Psalm 119:165–168 (NIV): 165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. 166 I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands. 167 I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. 168 I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.

So when Jesus says that we should not suppose that he has come to bring peace, he is not talking about our peace with God because that is exactly what he has come to bring. He is saying that those who follow him who is from God, are going to have not a little conflict with those who refuse to trust in God as God has revealed himself through Jesus and the Bible. This controversy will be found in even the closest of human relationships.

Matthew 10:34–36 (NIV): 34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

You may miss what Jesus is doing here when you only hear the words and don’t know your Bible thoroughly. When reading the words in most English translations, you will see that Jesus is quoting the Bible and those translations will give the cross reference. Micah 7:5–7 (NIV): 5 Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. 6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies are the members of his own household. 7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah is talking about the conflicts that took place in Israel among those who defied the Lord.

So although as Christians we have spiritual peace with God, we are warned that when we follow God’s commands and live according to his will, those who do not follow God as we do are going to take issue with us.

Jesus experienced this. Even within his own family. Matthew 12:46–50 (NIV): 46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

The disciples did.

History’s religious wars. (see above)

Personal angst. We noted last week that talking about religion can bring turmoil into our lives. This is a continuation of that thought.

Solution: Try to live at peace with everyone but do so without compromising our beliefs. Our priority should be our relationship with Jesus which supercedes all others. Matthew 10:37–39 (NIV): 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

Hope: Not everyone was going to be against them. Some would welcome them.

Matthew 10:40–42 (NIV): 40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Jesus is predicting that even though the Christian who follows him may indeed face conflict with anyone (even family) who do not also trust in Jesus, there will be those with whom they will have a very close relationship. Many people have experienced this. In congregations which are made up of people who are not all related to each other (such as in many rural settings), members from different backgrounds will often find a closeness that goes beyond normal relationships. There is that welcoming. I can attest to this and have developed close relationships as a pastor with people in my congregations and in other ministries. St. Paul wrote of this in regard to a slave and his owner.

Philemon 12–17 (NIV): 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

Conclusion: And so we see this dynamic at work in the lives of Christians. We have very close relationships with family, neighbors, coworkers, classmates etc. The original and often closest relationships are with family. Jesus teaches us that our relationship with him is to be even closer even if it means conflict with previous people who are close to us.