Jesus says he did not come to bring peace, but a sword, and in this episode, we slow down to understand what that really means. Working through Matthew 10:34–39, we look at how Jesus’ words fit into the Old Testament hope for a peaceful Messiah, why he quotes Micah, and how his coming confronts each of us with a costly but life-giving choice of loyalty.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
- How Matthew 10:34–39 fits into Jesus’ instructions to the Twelve as he sends them out
- The Old Testament expectation that the Messiah would bring peace (Isaiah 9; Micah 4–5)
- Why Jesus, the “Prince of Peace,” can still say he came to bring “a sword”
- How Micah 7 provides the background for Jesus’ words about families divided
- Why the gospel message naturally creates division, even within our closest relationships
- What Jesus means by “loving” or “hating” family and life itself—language of loyalty and priority, not emotion
- The sense of “worthy” in this passage, and why it is about living consistently as a disciple, not earning acceptance
- What it truly means to “take up your cross”—not generic hardship, but a willingness to face hostility, rejection, and even death for Christ
- How “finding” your life now leads to loss, and “losing” your life for Jesus’ sake leads to true and lasting life in his kingdom
- Why this age is “the time of the sword” and what that reveals about what God values in our faith and perseverance
After listening, you’ll come away with a clearer grasp of why following Jesus inevitably involves division and cost—and why it is still worth everything. You’ll be encouraged to weigh where your ultimate loyalty lies, to see suffering and rejection in light of eternal life, and to stand firm in the approval of Christ even when family, culture, or authorities push back.
Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity is available now wherever books are sold.
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