Big Idea - What's all this talk about persecution and hate, I thought Jesus was the prince of peace? How can Jesus say He has come to bring division? Didn't His birth signal peace on earth, goodwill to men? Jesus is the prince of peace, but peace is found only in His kingdom. His Gospel divides those who love Jesus from those who do not. Those outside the Kingdom are at best intolerant of Jesus and His followers and at worst are hostile. One cause for this is that Jesus does not share loyalty. He demands the highest love and devotion from His followers, even above family. When we put Jesus and His call on our life above the expectations and demands of family, friends, our job, and society we lose, friends, offend family, and make ourselves enemies of society.
Why are the stakes so high? Why can’t we love Jesus and be friends with the world? What right does Jesus have to demand total allegiance? Jesus is the High King who is worthy of our highest love and devotion because He is holy God, judge of all men, and the one who took up His cross and gave His life for us. But, He is also worth it because His kingdom is the only way of peace with God and with others. Thus, we are only "worthy" or fit to be part of His kingdom if we give up all to follow Him as Lord and master. The Gospel message divides. Many will not receive the message and will persecute the messengers. But, for, those who do receive the messenger there is the reward of eternal life. Those who help them in even the smallest ways, because they are a follower of Jesus, will receive the reward of peace, and life, and joy. Peace is a cup of cold water - where we can find it!
